()Adult children living with elderly parents may find it helpful to spend the holidays together. This can help them notice changes in their lifestyles or behaviors that could indicate that a senior person needs assistance at home.

Senior care professionals find the most busy weeks of the year to provide care as families arrange for care for their aging loved ones. According to Home Instead SeniorCare, January is the busiest month for senior care inquires. From December 2016 to January 2017, Home Instead experienced a 41% increase in service inquires.

These are some of the factors families should consider when deciding whether to hire a senior care provider.

* Mood. Did a senior loved one behave differently around holidays this year? He or she was more talkative than emotional?

* Physical appearance. Have mom and dad lost weight? Did they maintain good personal hygiene?

* Social life and routine. Do you recall an elderly relative talking about socializing with family and friends? Does he/she seem interested in planning and going out on the streets?

* Household. Did their holiday home look clean and orderly during the visit? Did they have a hard time paying bills, refilling their medications, or cleaning up after guests?

* Food choices. Did they have nutritious food at home, or was the refrigerator empty because they can’t make it to the grocery store?

Families can reach out to local Home Instead Senior Care offices for help and support if they notice any changes in the senior loved one. Seniors often need assistance with daily tasks, such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, and reminders of medication, to keep them safe and healthy at their home.

Visit caregiverstress.com for more information or locate a Home Instead office close to you at www.homeinstead.com/state.