28 Wellness Questions to Ask Seniors Over the Holiday Season

It’s been months since you’ve had the chance for a nice, long visit with Mom. Now that the holidays are here, you’ll have some quality time to catch up. While you’ll want to make the most of this time together, it’s also a perfect moment to assess how she’s really doing. Asking a few senior wellness check questions can help you detect any changes in her health that may have gone unnoticed through phone calls or FaceTime. By focusing on wellness questions and paying attention to her overall well-being, you can ensure her health is on track.

To help you determine areas of potential concern to evaluate, we’ve compiled the following list of wellness questions. You may wish to ask some of these questions to a loved one outright, while others may be answered by noticing the home environment and the senior herself.

To help you identify potential areas of concern, we’ve compiled a list of senior wellness check questions. Some of these wellness questions can be asked directly to your loved one, while others may be answered by simply observing their home environment and how the senior is managing day-to-day activities. By asking the right questions to ask seniors and paying close attention, you can better understand their overall health and well-being.

 

Mental/Physical Health

• Is she spending time with friends and staying socially connected? 

• Does she seem happy and content, or do you notice signs of loneliness or depression? 

• Do you notice any bruises or other injuries that could indicate a fall? Consider asking some cognitive questions to ask the elderly to assess her mental state as well. 

• Is she having trouble falling or staying asleep? Sleep issues can be a red flag during a senior wellness check. 

• Does she seem short of breath during normal activities? 

• Has she gained or lost weight recently? 

• Is she stumbling or holding onto furniture or the wall for support, signaling a potential balance issue? 

• Does the senior seem to be moving more slowly and cautiously than before? 

• Is she eating more or less than usual? Changes in appetite are important health and wellness questions to ask. 

• Is she actively engaged in enjoyable activities, or has she withdrawn from things she used to love? 

Cognitive Health

• Does the senior seem more forgetful or confused than usual?

• Is she misplacing items, only to find them in unexpected places, such as the car keys in the refrigerator?

• Is she repeating questions or statements in conversations?

• Is she struggling to remember the names of familiar people or objects?

• Are there pieces of mail and bills that have not been opened?

• Are you noticing any unusual behaviors?

Elder/Financial Abuse

• Has she provided anyone with personal information over the phone or internet?

• Is she communicating with strangers online?

• Does she suddenly have a new “friendship” with someone whose motives may be questionable?

• Are there any changes in her banking activity?

• Has she cosigned for a loan for anyone?

• Does she seem more timid or anxious than usual?

Home Maintenance

• Is the laundry clean and put away?

• Is the home cleaned to the senior’s typical standards?

• Is there clutter in the home that could pose a fall risk?

• Is the yard maintained?

• Are there any hazards you’re noticing, such as scorch marks on pans or the countertop that could indicate inattention to cooking?

• Are the bed linens being changed regularly?

If you have any concerns about a senior’s safety or well-being, regardless of how small, home care can help. Contact CareWorks Health Services at (949) 876-5381 for more information about our home care in Seal Beach and neighboring communities.