BRYN MAWR, PA — As families settle back into routine after the holidays, many adult children are confronting an unsettling realization: aging parents who appeared independent may no longer be safe living on their own, and delaying action could turn concern into crisis.
Extended time together during recent holiday visits often exposed changes that are easy to miss from afar — physical decline, memory lapses, unpaid bills, spoiled food, or a withdrawal from family activities. Experts say the weeks immediately following the holidays represent a critical window for families to move from recognition to action.
According to Visiting Angels, January is often when families begin to process what they observed and decide whether to intervene. Scott Parrish, executive vice president of Visiting Angels, said waiting rarely improves outcomes.
Parrish said adult children often return home hoping issues will resolve on their own, but delays frequently mean the next conversation happens during an emergency rather than a calm planning period.
Health and aging experts point to warning signs that should not be ignored, including noticeable weight changes, accumulating unopened mail, declining personal hygiene, frequent falls, confusion or memory loss, and increased social isolation. The National Institute on Aging advises that these indicators warrant prompt attention rather than a “wait and see” approach.
Falls remain a particular concern. Federal data show that one in four Americans age 65 and older falls each year, making falls the leading cause of injury-related deaths among seniors. Without regular oversight, a fall can go unnoticed for hours or days, sharply increasing the risk of serious complications.
The challenge is part of a broader demographic shift. A 2025 U.S. News survey found that 95% of adults age 55 and older want to age in place, while U.S. Census Bureau projections show the population age 65 and older growing from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050. At the same time, nearly half of seniors report that rising living costs are making it harder to remain safely at home, and only a small fraction of U.S. housing is designed to accommodate aging residents.
Pressure is also mounting on family caregivers. AARP’s 2025 Caregiving in the U.S. report found that nearly three in ten caregivers are supporting both aging parents and children, a figure that rises sharply among caregivers under 50. Many spend dozens of hours each week providing care, often at significant financial and personal cost.
Industry experts say professional non-medical in-home care can help bridge the gap between independence and safety, allowing families to address concerns before they escalate. Services typically range from personal care and companionship to help with meals, transportation, medication reminders, and specialized support for conditions such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease.
Advocates for early planning say January offers practical advantages for families considering care options, including insurance resets at the start of the year, fewer scheduling conflicts before spring and summer travel, and the ability to make decisions without the pressure of a crisis.
For families who observed troubling changes over the holidays, experts say the choice is no longer whether to act, but how quickly. Early intervention, they note, can preserve independence, reduce risk, and provide peace of mind before circumstances force harder decisions.
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