Tis the Season ... to Look

2.Physical health Simply asking, "How are you?" can start a conversation that sheds a little light on everything from daily issues to recent doctor visits that give a clearer picture their health. Also, see if they have noticeably lost weight (a sign they may not be eating well) and observe if they are maintaining their personal health and well-being.

3. Mental health Consider their emotional state. Do they have a positive attitude or do they require encouragement to accomplish ordinary tasks? Are they still interested in their usual hobbies or activities?

It's also a good idea to be on the lookout red flags such as memory lapses that disrupt their lives. Examples include struggling with vocabulary (such forgetting names of relatives or household items), misplacing belongings and finding them in odd places, or repeatedly asking the same questions. You can also test their memory during holiday visits by asking about notable dates or events from their lives.

We can't always get check up on family members in person.

But, as we pause to give thanks and wish for good health and happiness this holiday season, take the opportunity to ensure parents or aging loved ones can live alone safely and comfortably.

It may turn out to be the right time to have an open discussion about LTC planning and how solutions like LTCI can help preserve their independence and ensure their needs are met.

— Connect with ThinkAdvisor Life/Health on Facebook and Twitter.

Douglas Hamm, MBA, CLF, is vice president of sales at LifeSecure Insurance Company, a company that sells insurance and non-insurance solutions that consumers can use to protect themselves against health-related risks and expenses. He can be reached at [email protected].