Thanksgiving brought everyone together, and now the December travel season picks up. You could be a senior heading to visit family or a caregiver expecting Mom or Dad to make the trip, but all that matters is that the holiday season demands extra planning in the thick of winter.
They also tend to surface bigger questions.
Maybe you noticed Dad struggling with his luggage. Maybe Mom seemed confused at the airport. Nearly 63 million Americans now serve as family caregivers, and for many, a holiday visit becomes an unexpected dose of reality.
Here in Philadelphia, adults 60 and older make up about 20% of the population. Plenty of local families are asking themselves the same thing right now: “Is it time to talk about what’s next?”
Below, you’ll find practical travel tips for seniors, guidance on starting those harder conversations, and local Philly resources (including Senior Living Specialists Philadelphia) to help you move forward.
Tip 1 – Use Holiday Visits to Quietly Check How Your Loved One Is Really Doing
Connection comes first. But while you’re enjoying time together, pay attention to things that don’t show up on phone calls or FaceTime.
Look around the house. Stacks of unopened mail, spoiled food in the fridge, or burn marks on the stove can signal trouble. Notice personal care, too: significant weight loss, poor hygiene, or confusion about medications all deserve attention. Watch out also for mood shifts like increased anxiety, repeating questions, or pulling away from activities they used to love.
One or two small concerns might just mean your loved one needs a little extra support at home. Several red flags across different areas suggest it’s time to think ahead and talk with their doctor.
You don’t have to interpret everything on your own. Our advisors help families sort through what they’re noticing and match it to the right level of care, so you’re not left guessing.
Tip 2 – Start Gentle, Future-Focused Conversations (Without Derailing the Holidays)
So, you’ve noticed a few things. Now what? The holidays aren’t the time for a full-blown family intervention, but they can open the door to a low-pressure conversation.
Pick a quiet moment. A walk around the block or coffee after brunch works better than bringing it up at a crowded dinner table and putting your loved one on the spot.
Frame things around the future, not a crisis. Instead of “You can’t live at home anymore,” try “If stairs ever got too hard, where would you want to be?” or “I want to make sure we follow your wishes if something changes.”
Listen for what matters most to them: location, cost, pets, independence. Validate their concerns and gently correct outdated ideas about senior living.
The holidays also bring siblings together. Use that time to compare notes and agree on next steps, even if the plan is simply “Let’s tour a few communities after the new year.”
Tip 3 – Clarify Needs, Budget, and Preferences Before You Tour Anywhere
Once you’ve had those early conversations, resist the urge to schedule five tours right away. A little homework now saves a lot of confusion later.
Start by matching what you observed to the right level of care.
Loneliness and housekeeping struggles? Independent living might fit. Falls, medication mix-ups, or trouble with daily tasks? Personal care or assisted living offers more hands-on support. Memory concerns like wandering or getting lost? Memory care belongs on your list.
Budget matters, too. Many Philadelphia seniors live on fixed incomes, so talk through Social Security, pensions, savings, and benefits like VA Aid and Attendance or Medicaid waivers. Factor in proceeds from a future home sale if that’s part of the plan.
Finally, clarify what matters most: city vs. suburbs, proximity to grandkids, pets, faith community, and favorite neighborhoods. We know which local communities check those boxes and which ones have openings right now.
Tip 4 – Make the Most of Community Tours During the Holidays
If you’re thinking about touring a few communities, the holidays offer a unique window. You’ll see the place decorated and active, with events on the calendar and families visiting their loved ones. That kind of atmosphere tells you far more than an empty hallway on a random Tuesday.
Don’t try to squeeze in too many visits, though. One or two tours a day is plenty, especially if your parent tires easily. Schedule during their best hours and ask ahead about any holiday programming worth seeing.
While you’re there, pay attention to the details: how staff treat residents, whether the building feels clean and safe, what the food looks like, and how other families seem to feel. Strike up a conversation if you can.
Most importantly, watch your loved one’s reaction. The right place should feel comfortable to them, not just check boxes on your list.
Tip 5 – Use the Holiday Momentum to Build Your Support Network
The holidays won’t last forever, and neither will the clarity that comes from spending real time with your loved one. Before everyone scatters back to their routines, take one more step: start building the team that will help you move forward.
Philadelphia offers solid resources to lean on. The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) provides a helpline, care management, and caregiver support. Senior centers throughout the city offer meals, social connections, and wellness programs. These services can bridge the gap while you figure out longer-term plans.
If senior living is on the table, Senior Living Specialists Philadelphia can help you sort through options at no cost to you. Our advisors know which local communities fit specific needs, budgets, and neighborhoods, and we connect families with move managers, elder-law attorneys, and home care agencies when the time comes.
The holidays gave you a window. Use it to put the right people in your corner before “someday” becomes “right now.”
Turn This Holiday Visit into a Thoughtful Plan
Holiday visits have a way of mixing joy with reality. One minute you’re watching your mom laugh with the grandkids, the next you’re quietly noticing she asked the same question three times. That’s okay. These moments should not send you into panic mode, but rather serve as invitations to pay attention, start small conversations, and gather information while the whole family is together. You don’t need all the answers by New Year’s. You just need to stop pretending the questions don’t exist.
Senior Living Specialists Philadelphia helps Philly-area families turn that holiday clarity into a real plan. We listen to your story, help you understand care levels and costs, and match you with communities that fit your loved one’s needs and budget. And because the communities pay us, families like yours will never see a bill for our guidance.
Are you or your loved one planning a holiday visit? Reach out to us beforehand so you know what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to make the most of your time together. A little preparation now beats a scramble later.
