“Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays.”

There is something about the holiday season that takes our heart and mind to thoughts of home and memories of Christmases past.

Maybe it’s a special meal, the scent of Christmas cookies baking in the oven, or a holiday tradition that makes you smile. No matter the memory, the holidays often lead us home to connect with family and friends.

As Baby Boomers, going home often means reconnecting with aging parents and relatives. Maybe we haven’t had a chance to visit often throughout the year due to our hectic schedules or because we live out of town.

Maybe we see our family quite often but have more time to “just visit” during the holiday season. Either way, adult children may find that when they visit, they notice that Mom or Dad’s health might be declining, and they become concerned and sense that their relative could use some assistance in maintaining their safety and quality of life in their own home.

Some signs to watch for that may indicate your loved one needs some assistance to remain in their home safely:

>A decline in personal hygiene. Your loved one may not feel up to completing daily hygiene or may seem to be unaware of hygiene needs.

> Difficulty managing medications. You may notice pills lying around in unusual places, unfilled prescriptions or empty pill bottles.

> Falls or near falls, with or without injury.

> Increased clutter in the home or a general lack of cleanliness of the living environment.

> Outdated and spoiled food in the refrigerator.

> Difficulty cooking or preparing meals. This can include problems following recipes or directions, burned food, lack of awareness of whether they have eaten, lack of appetite, or reliance on “junk food” that requires no preparation.

> Difficulty keeping track of personal schedules, especially missing medical appointments.

> Difficulty managing finances. You may notice bills piled up but unpaid, overdue bills, overdrawn checking accounts, lack of budgeting.

> Decreased interest in previous hobbies and friendships.

> A general decline in physical health. They may have lost weight and appear more frail. You may notice bruising or other injuries, increased forgetfulness, or less stamina for daily activities.

If you decide that help is needed, the Area Agency on Aging District 7 is here to help. Our staff is available to provide information and answer questions about a number of care needs and options that are available.

After speaking with a specially trained nurse or social worker concerning your family member’s needs, an in-home consultation to assess your loved one’s situation will be provided at no cost to identify risks and determine what assistance or preventive measures could improve their quality of life.

So, as you return “home for the holidays,” we encourage you to spend quality time with your aging loved ones.

Take the time to share special memories over a cup of tea or cocoa.

Offer to take them for a ride to view the Christmas lights or attend a Christmas concert.

As you enjoy your time together, be alert for the warning signs listed above and call our Agency at 1-800-582-7277 if we can be of assistance.

Pamela K. Matura is the executive director of the Area Agency on Aging District 7.