One of the joys of the holiday season is spending time with family. If you’re seeing your parents for the first time in months, however, you may be surprised at how their mobility or memory has declined since your last visit.

If you notice a change in a family member’s condition this time of year, you aren’t alone. Janice Schiavone, Business Manager of VNSNY’s Customer Care Center, says, “We often see an increase in calls after a holiday, even after a weekend. People spend time with their parents and notice that something is—or isn’t—happening the way it should. You might not be sure if your parent needs help, but you know something isn’t right.”

Balancing your parent’s desire for independence with their safety and your concern for their welfare is tricky, especially if the changes are subtle, or if your parent sometimes seems fine. When does your mom’s memory loss stop being “normal” and start being a sign of dementia? Your dad may insist his balance is just fine, thank you, but his explanation for that bruise isn’t convincing. Do you press the issue and risk upsetting him or let it drop and take the chance that he may suffer a dangerous fall on a slippery sidewalk?

“If you aren’t sure whether to call—call. If you see that your mother has changed or have a sense that something is wrong, that’s reason enough,” says Schiavone.

To help you determine whether your parent might benefit from home health care, VNSNY has prepared a brief checklist, or watch our short video.