What to Look for During Holiday Gatherings

Top Signs that an Older Loved One Might Need a Retirement Community

Marketers have invested millions of dollars in advertising focused on “what to shop for” this holiday season.

For those of us whose organizational mission is about serving older adults, we have a different take on seasonal advice. It’s this: “what to look for” this holiday season as you spend time with the beloved older adults in your life.

Often, the changes you might see in them are gradual, almost imperceptible or only just a bit out of the norm. Their home looks a little more cluttered. Their clothing has some food stains. The kitchen counter has a stack of mail.

And that’s where it typically begins, with little changes. Left unattended, they can grow and all of a sudden, a loved one who was perfectly fine at home is now challenged to manage their bills, their medicine and their hygiene. It’s not that they’ve stopped caring; it’s that their executive functioning and cognitive skills are declining.

With more occasions to gather with family and neighbors during the December holidays, all of us have the opportunity to come prepared with increased awareness for the older loved ones in our lives. To help you and others, Forest Hills of DC has prepared a guide to help you look for changes that might signal it is time for an older adult you know to consider a retirement community.

Fill in the form below to access this complimentary guide.

You’ll be giving yourself helpful advice and showing you care about the older adults around you.

Wishing you and yours a joyful holiday season!