Holidays A Great Time to Check on Loved Ones

The holidays are a time when families and friends gather, so it’s also the perfect time to check in on loved ones with health challenges such as diabetes, weight issues, cardiovascular conditions or limited mobility. 

Older adults and patients who live alone or rely on others for transportation are particularly vulnerable to gaps in care. They may not notice subtle daily changes in their condition or may face challenges in getting to appointments during the busy holiday season, especially if their usual caregivers are traveling out of the area. The pandemic has only exacerbated those gaps in care. A visit from a relative or a caring neighbor during this hectic time can help detect conditions such as non-healing wounds or foot ulcers, vision or hearing loss, memory decline, depression, loss of appetite or significant weight changes that are hard to monitor in oneself. 

If you notice these or any other concerning signs, don’t hesitate to intervene by encouraging the person to schedule an appointment with their primary care provider or a specialist and facilitating transportation or going along as a patient advocate. People may be reluctant to trouble others for assistance, but your involvement just might save a life.

The Wound Treatment Centers at MyMichigan Health encourage their patients to plan ahead for the holiday season so that they don’t miss any appointments during their critical time of healing. It may be tempting to skip those appointments when the weather turns icy and cold or when holiday activities disrupt normal schedules. However, getting fully healed helps avoid even more serious complications and enjoy a higher quality of life for years to come.

It’s also important for patients with higher risk factors to keep on track with routine screenings that have been recommended by their care team, such as vaccinations, foot checks, vision checks, blood sugar or blood pressure monitoring, cancer screenings and regular physicals, since prevention and early detection can dramatically improve outcomes. 

As you are making that list and checking it twice, remember that your time and attention to wellbeing are the best gifts you can give to yourself and others this holiday season.

Jacob Straley, A.G.A.C.N.P.-B.C., M.S.N., specializes in wound treatment and hyperbaric medicine, and sees patients at the Wound Treatment Center at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena.