When you visited your aging parents during the holidays, you noticed a few things that worried you – your mom had lost a little weight, your dad rarely strayed from the recliner and there was spoiled food in the fridge.

Although subtle, these can be signs that your parents may need a little help to continue living safely in her home.

“Admitting you need help isn’t easy for most seniors. They want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, so they likely will downplay or try to hide any potential threat to their independence,” said Sierra Goetz, operations director at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “Because it’s unlikely they’ll ask for help, it’s important for loved ones to understand the signs that may indicate they need assistance,”

When you visit your aging dad, he’s usually doing the same thing – sitting in the recliner watching Gunsmoke re-runs.

Is that normal?

“While it’s important for seniors to be active and engaged, many settle into a routine that’s hard to break – even when people visit,” said Sierra Goetz, operations director at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “The next time you visit, try giving your loved one a little push to do something different – something that will engage their mind and/or body while making special memories with you.”

Here are ten things you and your senior can do to make the most of your time together.

Struggling to find the perfect holiday gift for the senior who has everything?

It’s even harder when you’re shopping for an aging loved one who has dementia.

“I know from my family’s personal experience that caring for someone with dementia can be challenging – especially as the disease progresses,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at Tudor Oaks Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “We were always on the lookout for tools, technologies and devices that could improve memory, help with communication and ease anxiety.”