The holidays are a perfect opportunity to see how older members of the family are getting along health-wise. We may not see each other very often through the year and sometimes families are shocked by the physical appearance of older ones when they get together to celebrate the holidays.

Very often if the health of one older spouse is declining the relatively healthy spouse will try to take the burden on alone. The extent of the stress and physical demands required may not be apparent through telephone conversations. But it can often be readily seen in person.

So how do family members begin to discuss long-term care needs within the family in a considerate manner?

Here is a article that provides some warning signs that you can be watching for that indicate long-term care may soon be needed, and it also makes some suggestions on how to bring the subject up and help older family members get the help they need.