Ask the Expert: What signs during holiday visits show a loved one may need more support or updated planning?

Expert Answer: The holidays aren’t just about celebration. They’re a chance to check in on how you are doing — and how your aging parents or loved ones are doing — so you can plan ahead with confidence.

This is your holiday check-in, a gift of awareness.
This season brings families together around familiar traditions, full tables, and the comfort of being under one roof again. But it also offers something we don’t always talk about: a natural moment to pause, observe, and think about what support you or your loved ones may need in the years ahead.

As you spend time in your parents’ or loved ones’ home, look gently at the details. Are walkways clear? Are rugs secure? Are they moving comfortably, or holding onto furniture for balance? Is the kitchen stocked with fresh food, or mostly snacks and takeout? These small signs can give insight into how well someone is managing day-to-day tasks — and whether extra support could help maintain their independence.

And while you’re noticing these things for others, take a moment to check in with yourself, too. Are your routines, health, or home setup still working well for you? Are you keeping up with documents, mail, and medications without feeling overwhelmed? Planning for your own future is just as important as caring for the generation before you.

Pay attention to conversations as well. Repeated questions, confusion about dates, or slower processing may indicate early cognitive changes — in you or your parents. These are tough things to notice, but addressing them early gives everyone more options, more control, and more peace of mind.

This is also the perfect time to revisit your legal planning. Are your Powers of Attorney current? Does your Will or Trust accurately reflect your wishes? Do your parents have documents — and do you know where they are? If a health crisis happened tomorrow, would your family know what to do?

If you’re juggling your own planning while supporting aging parents, you are not alone. This is exactly where thoughtful estate planning, Life Care Planning, and Care Coordination become invaluable. These services help you:
• Protect your assets
• Plan for long-term care

The holidays shine a light on the people we love most. Use this time not only to celebrate but to prepare—so you and your family can move into the next chapter with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

Give yourself and your loved ones the gift of awareness and a plan that protects what matters most.

For educational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Lisa Hostetler Brown is a Certified Elder Law Attorney certified by the National Elder Law Foundation. 2 Hampton Hall Blvd, Ste 100, Bluffton, SC 29910. | 843-757-5294 | LawyerLisa.com.