Assess Senior Well-Being During the Holidays

Donna Nichols • December 17, 2020

Use Holiday Visits to Assess Senior Well-Being

Hopefully, you will be able to visit your elderly mom or dad for Christmas. Please use this time to make a visual assessment of their living arrangements.

Are they eating properly? Is the house clean, are they clean? Has their hair been brushed/washed? How is their personal hygiene?

Are they still able to wash their clothes? Make sure they have soap powder and the washing machine and dryer are in good working order. Also, check to ensure the dryer is properly vented.

Check the refrigerator to ensure there is food in it and it isn’t outdated. Check the cabinets as well for outdated food.

If they have a pet, make sure there is food for the animal and the pet has been fed. Ensure the pet is well bathed and doesn’t have fleas.

See what kind of medications they are taking; do they have the correct amount of pills in the bottle? Make sure they are taking the right amount, not more, not less.

This would be a great time to go check out our blog titled, Home Safety Checklist. There are many items listed in that blog you wouldn’t even think to check.

For example, we all think to cover cords with a throw rug or carpet, right? Not in a senior’s home. It can cause a bulge in the carpet and make for a pretty good tripping hazard. Also, there should be no throw rugs at all; they can become a slip hazard. A trip or slip is the last thing anyone needs, let alone a senior.

Check the outlet covers and make sure they are on correctly. Look for loose or frayed wires on all the cords throughout the home.

Should you find yourself one of the lucky ones visiting your family members for the holidays, please “investigate” the house as thoroughly as possible. The last thing you want is to get back home and find they suffered a slip and fall or something more catastrophic.

Look to see if they are able to clean their bathroom, if not look for the local Council on Aging to find assistance. You can also look on Angie’s List or Care.com to find caregivers with references.

If it looks like they just can’t take care of themselves anymore, or are alone and have given up, it may be time to consider Assisted Living.

Assisted Living does not have the stigma it once had. These communities are places where the senior can thrive and become social again.

Should you find yourself faced with the prospect of placing your loved one, please do not look to the internet for help.

Find a local placement service, they know the communities, the staff, the food, and which ones offer the best care for your loved one’s needs.

If you need help or encouragement as a Caregiver give us a call at  386-847-2322  or check out our  Caregiver Support Group. Our  Senior Advisors  are here to walk with you through this journey.
By Donna Nichols February 2, 2026
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference February brings a soft reminder to pause and check in with the most loyal companion we have — our heart. It beats for us without asking, carrying us through decades of joy, loss, laughter, and change. American Heart Month invites us to honor that steady work with simple habits that help us feel stronger, more energized, and more connected. The Power of Small Steps Heart health doesn’t require dramatic resolutions or strict routines. In fact, the most meaningful changes are often the smallest ones — the ones we can weave into our day without feeling overwhelmed. A ten‑minute walk after breakfast. Choosing water before coffee. Stretching your arms and shoulders while waiting for the kettle to boil. Turning on a favorite song and letting your body sway a little. These tiny choices add up. They support circulation, boost mood, and remind us that caring for ourselves is still possible at every age. Movement That Meets You Where You Are Not everyone can take long walks or join a fitness class — and that’s okay. Gentle movement counts. • Marching your feet while seated • Rolling your shoulders to release tension • Standing up and sitting down a few times to strengthen your legs • Reaching toward the ceiling to open your chest Every bit of movement helps the heart do its job with less strain. Food That Loves You Back Heart‑healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Think in terms of adding rather than restricting. • Add a handful of berries to breakfast • Add a few colorful vegetables to lunch • Add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for healthy fats • Add one extra glass of water during the day Small additions feel doable — and they nourish the body in ways you can feel. Connection Is Heart Medicine, Too Loneliness can weigh on the heart just as much as physical strain. February is a wonderful time to reach out. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Share a memory with a grandchild. Join a community activity, even if just for an hour. Let someone know you’re thinking of them. Human connection is one of the most powerful heart‑protective habits we have. A Month to Celebrate Your Strength Your heart has carried you through so much — every milestone, every challenge, every moment of joy. This month is not about perfection. It’s about honoring your resilience and choosing one or two small habits that make you feel good. A healthier heart doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the quiet, steady choices we make each day. And February is the perfect time to begin.
By Donna Nichols January 12, 2026
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By Donna Nichols January 9, 2026
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