Is It Time to Seek a Diagnosis? Post-Holiday Signs

The holidays have a way of slowing life down just enough for us to really see the people we love. Between the meals, the traditions, and the long stretches of time spent together, it's easy to notice the things we may have missed throughout the year.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many family members leave the holiday season with a sense that something has changed — something subtle, something sudden, or simply something that doesn’t sit right. And that realization can bring a mix of emotions: worry, uncertainty, guilt, or even relief that you finally noticed what your intuition had been whispering all year long.

This blog post will explore common signs that it's time to explore a diagnosis or extra support for a loved one.

Signs It's Time to Seek a Diagnosis

Cognitive or Memory Changes

Holiday traditions can shine a bright light on cognitive shifts because they rely on memory, routine, and recognition. If you found yourself quietly thinking, “That’s not like them,” here are a few things worth paying attention to:

• Repeating stories multiple times in the same gathering. We all repeat ourselves now and then, especially during big family events — but consistent repetition during short timeframes can signal short-term memory changes.

• Getting lost in familiar environments. If your loved one struggled to find the guest bathroom they’ve used for years or became confused in a home where they’ve spent countless holidays, that’s worth noting.

• Confusion during routine conversations or traditions. Maybe an aunt forgot the first step of her famous stuffing. Or Grandpa didn’t remember how to set up the menorah. These changes often show up first during cherished routines.

Behavioral or Emotional Changes

Changes in mood and behavior are sometimes easier to explain away — “They’re tired,” “The holidays are stressful,” “It was a long day.” But consistent or major sudden shifts deserve attention.

• Irritability, withdrawal, or mood swings that felt stronger or more frequent than usual.

• Frustration with holiday tasks they normally enjoy, like decorating, cooking, or wrapping gifts.

• Anxiety in crowds or during busy family gatherings. Even small groups can feel overwhelming when something deeper is happening.

• A decline in social engagement. Maybe they hovered at the edges of conversations or opted to stay in another room altogether.

These behavioral changes can be early signs of cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, or other health issues — all of which warrant a professional check-in.

Communication Shifts

Changes in communication sneak up gradually, but they can stand out during big gatherings where conversations move quickly.

• Trouble finding words, even for common objects or familiar names.

• Difficulty following multi-step conversations, especially if multiple people were talking at once.

• Sudden hesitation or confusion in dialogue. Pauses can happen to anyone, but repeated confusion or derailment of thought can hint at deeper changes.

Communication shifts often show up early in various forms of dementia, but they can also signal hearing loss, medication interactions, or emotional overwhelm.

Physical Decline

Physical changes tend to be the most obvious, especially when you haven’t seen someone in a while. Your loved one may need extra care or a diagnosis if they experience:

• Difficulty with mobility or balance. Moving slower is one thing — needing to steady themselves on furniture, struggling with steps, or hesitating to stand or sit is another.

• Trouble getting dressed or preparing for gatherings. Perhaps they needed more help than before or seemed disorganized during basic tasks.

• Frequent spills, bumps, or minor falls. If you noticed small bruises or incidents throughout the holidays, those could be early safety red flags.

Functional Decline (Day-to-Day Living)

One of the most telling signs — especially if you visited your loved one’s home during the holidays — is how well they’re managing daily life. Some causes for concern include:

• Changes in hygiene or grooming. This may look like unwashed hair, wearing the same clothing several days in a row, or a general lack of self-care.

• A noticeably disorganized home. If the home was unusually cluttered, dirty, or chaotic compared to previous years, that’s important to note.

• Trash piling up or mail left unopened. These may seem small, but can be early indicators that daily tasks are feeling overwhelming.

• Little or no food in the fridge or pantry. This can suggest difficulty shopping, forgetting to eat, or challenges with money management.

• Neglected bills or household maintenance. Even independent adults can start to struggle with household tasks when cognitive or functional changes begin.

These functional losses often paint one of the clearest pictures that more support — and possibly a medical evaluation — is needed.

Moving Forward: What to Do with What You Noticed

If you’re sitting with new concerns or observations, the next steps don’t have to feel overwhelming. Taking things one small, thoughtful step at a time can make the path forward feel much more manageable.

• Write things down as they happen. Jot down specific examples, dates, or moments that felt concerning. This isn’t about keeping score—it’s about giving yourself clarity. Having notes helps you see patterns and provides helpful information for a doctor or professional later.

• Make a plan before taking action. Even though your concerns may center around one person, health or cognitive changes often affect the entire family. Think about who should know, who can support the conversation, and how to approach it in a loving, united way.

• Talk to a professional or family consultant first (if you’re unsure where to start). A Caregiver Resource Center (CRC) family consultant or other caregiving professional can help you sort out the next steps, prepare for sensitive discussions, and understand what to expect. You don’t have to figure this out in isolation.

• Have the conversation with your loved one—with compassion at the center. Share what you’ve noticed gently and frame your concern as care: “I want to make sure you feel your best,” or “I’ve noticed a couple of things and wanted to talk about them together.” Most people respond better when the conversation feels collaborative rather than corrective.

• Plan for change, even if you’re not sure what comes next. This could mean scheduling a medical appointment, simplifying daily routines, exploring safety updates at home, or starting to gather paperwork and information. Planning isn’t assuming the worst—it’s preparing to support your loved one in the best way possible.

  
  

The bottom line

If you walked away from the holidays with a nagging feeling that something is changing, trust that instinct. You’re not imagining it. You’re noticing — because you care, because you’re paying attention, and because these shifts often show themselves most clearly during extended time together.

Reaching out for medical input is not about assuming the worst. It’s about getting clarity, catching concerns early, and helping your loved one stay safe and supported. A diagnosis (or even just a conversation with a healthcare provider) can bring direction, resources, and peace of mind.

If the holidays brought up new questions or concerns, now is the perfect moment to reach out to CRC OC. Sometimes the first step toward clarity is simply talking it through with someone who understands caregiving inside and out.