Intermountain Health Experts Suggest Checking on Loved Ones’ Mental Health During Holiday Season

The holidays are full of family visits with traditions, but it is also a chance to see loved ones in person and observe their well-being. For aging parents, grandparents, or other relatives or friends, these gatherings can reveal important changes in health or daily habits that might go unnoticed during the rest of the year.

“Family gatherings often reveal things we don’t notice during quick phone calls,” said Emily Moreno, MD, internal medicine physician that specializes in senior care at Intermountain Health Superior Clinic in Colorado. “If your loved one seems less steady on their feet or more forgetful than before, those are signs worth paying attention to. Mobility and memory changes often mean their health needs are getting more complex.”

Other clues can be just as telling. Managing a long list of medications can become overwhelming and even unsafe.

“We often see patients juggling so many prescriptions that it becomes risky,” Dr. Moreno said. “A provider can help simplify medications and make sure they work together.”

Frequent trips to the emergency room or repeated hospital stays can signal underlying health issues that aren’t being managed. Other warning signs include frustration with current care, noticeable changes in mood or eating habits, and a decline in personal hygiene.

“Our goal isn’t just to treat symptoms,” Dr. Moreno said. “We want to understand what matters most to the patient, their goals, values, and quality of life.”

When to Consider Extra Support for Seniors

Dr. Moreno recommends reaching out to a provider if your loved one:

• Is over age 65
• Has multiple chronic conditions that affect daily life
• Struggles with memory, falls, or behavioral health needs
• Manages several medications
• Has frequent ER visits or hospital stays

Providers can help older adults manage conditions like high blood pressure, chronic pain, cognitive changes and fall risk. They can also coordinate care for patients seeing multiple specialists and connect families with resources such as home safety visits, physical therapy, and caregiver support.

“This holiday season, take time to notice how your loved one is doing,” Dr. Moreno said. “A simple conversation now can make a big difference later.”

If you have concerns about your loved one’s health, don’t wait, schedule a checkup or talk with a trusted healthcare provider today on Intermountain Health’s website.