The Impact of Holiday Visits on Parents’ Well-Being
The holidays are almost here! For many adult children who don’t live nearby their aging parents or perhaps don’t get the chance to visit often, this can be a wonderful time to catch up and enjoy cherished family traditions with mom or dad; however, it can also provide an opportunity to assess how they’re doing in terms of their physical, mental and emotional health.
Many families begin to notice signs during holiday visits that a parent may need more help at home. Understanding what to look for can help you determine whether it may be time to explore senior living options or additional support services.
Why ADLs and IADLs Matter When Assessing Aging Parents
Caregiving professionals often use two important tools to evaluate whether an older adult needs more assistance: Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)*. These measures describe essential tasks required for safe, independent living. If your parent is struggling in one or more of these areas, it may be a sign they could benefit from added support.
Questions to Consider During Holiday Visits:
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Mobility
- Can your parent move safely around their home—with or without assistive devices—and maintain good balance?
Nutrition
- Are they preparing balanced meals and eating regularly?
- Do they shop for groceries independently, or rely heavily on takeout or prepared foods?
Personal hygiene
- Are they maintaining the grooming and personal care habits they’ve always upheld?
Household upkeep
- Do tasks like cleaning, laundry, or home maintenance appear overwhelming?
- Are they increasingly dependent on others for snow shovelling, lawn care, or repairs?
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
Managing finances
- Are bills paid on time, and are financial responsibilities being handled appropriately?
Managing transportation
- Are they driving safely, or arranging reliable alternative transportation?
Managing communication
- Are they keeping up with mail, phone calls, and messages?
Managing medication
- Can they obtain their medications easily and take them as prescribed?
How Chartwell Can Help Support Your Parent’s Well-Being
If your holiday visit raises questions about your parent’s ability to continue living safely and comfortably at home, Chartwell can help you explore supportive options. Our residences offer services such as nutritious dining, housekeeping, recreational activities, transportation services, and personalized care—providing seniors with a safe, social, and worry-free lifestyle, while giving caregivers added peace of mind and the reassurance that their parent is well supported.
To learn more about what life in a Chartwell retirement residence can look like, download our free Exploring Senior Living Guide. This comprehensive resource will help you understand your options, compare lifestyles, and determine the best fit for your loved one.
If you’re considering Chartwell for your loved one, visit our Find a Residence page to discover a Chartwell community near you and book a tour at your convenience.
*The following sources provide references for this blog, in order of appearance:
- Cleveland Clinic. “Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)”. (2024), online: Online: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/activities-of-daily-living-adls