Home for the Holidays
Home for the Holidays
Making the Most of Holiday Visits with an Elderly Loved One
The holidays are a time for connection, gratitude and family traditions. But for many adult children visiting parents or grandparents, holiday gatherings can also reveal something unexpected: signs that an aging loved one may be struggling to live independently.
“Those of us in the senior care profession see this every year,” said Tammy Hooker, Director of Cambridge Caregivers’ Austin office. “Families come together for the holidays and suddenly realize that Mom or Dad isn’t managing as well as they thought. The holidays are joyful, but they can also be eye-opening.”
Subtle Signs
When adult children live far away, it’s easy to miss gradual changes. A few days together over the holidays can reveal clues that something isn’t quite right:
- Unpaid bills or piles of unopened mail. Trouble managing finances can signal cognitive decline or simple overwhelm.
- Expired or spoiled food in the refrigerator, or missing staples in the pantry.
- Changes in personal hygiene or wearing the same clothes repeatedly.
- Increased clutter or unsafe conditions around the home, such as loose rugs or poor lighting.
- Social withdrawal, confusion or forgetfulness that seem new or more pronounced.
Family members should also keep an eye on the spouse who appears to be the “healthy one.” Caring for a partner with dementia or chronic illness can take a toll, physically and emotionally.
“Caregiver stress is real,” Tammy added. “We often meet older husbands or wives who are doing their best to care for a spouse at home but are completely exhausted. They need support just as much as the person receiving care.”
Don’t be surprised if the older loved one isn’t forthcoming about the challenges they’re facing. It’s very common, Tammy noted, for seniors to minimize their struggles.
“They may be fearful of losing their independence,” she said. “Or they may not want to burden their family or admit that they need help.”
That’s where Cambridge Caregivers comes in. Founded in Dallas in 2014, Cambridge provides professional, reliable and empathetic in-home care designed to help older adults live safely and comfortably at home for as long as possible.
Cambridge caregivers are employees—not contractors— who receive extensive paid training through the company’s Manchester Living Institute. They assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming and toileting, as well as meal preparation, light housekeeping, companionship and transportation to appointments and social activities.
“For many families, just a few days of help each week can make all the difference,” said Gary Hooker, Tammy’s husband and co-director of the Austin office. “A little support allows seniors to stay in their own homes longer, safely and happily, while giving family members peace of mind.”
A Time to Connect—and Reflect
The holidays are about more than just exchanging gifts or sharing meals—they’re an opportunity to truly see how loved ones are doing.
“The holidays are special because they bring families together,” Gary said. “It’s a time to enjoy each other’s company, but also to notice whether Mom or Dad might need a bit more help. That awareness can be the first step toward ensuring their safety and well-being.”
Tammy and Gary encourage families to approach these conversations with compassion. “The goal isn’t to take away independence,” Tammy said. “It’s to add support—so your loved one can continue living life on their own terms.”
If you notice signs that a parent or older relative may need assistance, the team at Cambridge Caregivers stands ready to help you explore your options. And with the recent opening of an office in Austin, families in Central Texas now have an excellent option to consider for in-home caregiving.
“We’re always glad to serve as a resource,” Gary said. “Even if you’re just beginning to think about next steps, call us. We can help you find the right balance of care and independence.”
To learn more about Cambridge Caregivers’ services in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston, visit www.cambridgecaregivers.com. Or call the Austin office at 512-547-1970.