If you’re parents are older, the Easter Seals Society says a trip to their house to watch a bowl game or celebrate the New Year is a good time to check up on their welfare. Spokesperson Abbie Hausman says check up to see how your parents are handling their finances. She says you should look for unpaid bills, overdue bills or even duplicate payments to make sure that they aren’t falling behind on maintaining their own home. Hausman says driving is something that parents are often not happy to give up — but she says you need to be sure they can still drive and be safe. She says you should take a ride with your parents and see how they react to their surroundings. Hausman says if they become frustrated or have difficulty maneuvering, then it may indicate that they shouldn’t be driving anymore. Hausman says look for changes in social habits.Hausman says if they used to go to church every Sunday, see if they’re still going to church and if they are still doing other social things. Hausman says if you find problems, take time to talk with your parents and let them know you’re concerned. She says it’s important to listen and let them know you’re not trying to take over their lives.
