Home for the Holidays: A Year End Checklist to Protect Loved Ones in Long Term Care

The holidays are more than a time for celebration. They are often one of the few times families gather in person. If you have a loved one in a nursing home or long-term care facility, your holiday visit is more than just a reunion, it's also an opportunity to check on their well-being.

At Sawyer Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how issues of neglect or financial mismanagement can go unnoticed simply because families don't know what to look for. That’s why we've created this year-end checklist. Think of it as both a legal and emotional check-in. Because protecting your loved one’s dignity and advocating for their rights goes hand in hand.

✅ 1. Observe Their Physical and Emotional Health

• Do they seem alert, clean, and appropriately dressed?

• Have there been unexplained weight changes, bruises, or withdrawal from conversation?

• Are they engaging in activities, or showing signs of depression or confusion?

  
  

These could be early signs of neglect or indicators that a care plan needs revisiting.

✅ 2. Review the Care Plan

Every nursing home resident should have a documented, regularly updated care plan. Request a copy and make sure it matches what you're seeing.

• Are mobility, dietary, and medication needs being met?

• Are therapies and activities listed in the plan actually happening?

  
  

If something feels “off,” speak up and document everything.

✅ 3. Check the Facility Itself

Take a walk around.

• Are hallways clean and free of hazards?

• Are staff members attentive and adequately staffed?

• Is there evidence of poor hygiene or maintenance?

  
  

Trust your instincts. If something feels overlooked, it probably is.

✅ 4. Review Financial Accounts and Billing Statements

The end of the year is a great time to:

• Review monthly billing for unusual or unexplained charges.

• Look into how trust accounts are being handled, if applicable.

• Ensure no one unauthorized is accessing your loved one’s accounts.

  
  

Financial exploitation can happen slowly. Make sure no one's taking advantage.

✅ 5. Update Legal Documents

If your loved one’s situation has changed in the past year, so should their legal paperwork.

• Powers of Attorney: Are they current? Still valid?

• Advance Directives & Living Wills: Do they reflect current wishes?

• Guardianships: Is court involvement necessary or avoidable?

  
  

If any of these documents are outdated or missing, now is the time to act.

✅ 6. Have the Tough Conversations Now

We know. These aren’t the easiest topics to bring up over holiday meals. But this might be the only chance you have all year to sit down with siblings or other family members and talk frankly about:

• Long-term plans

• Division of responsibilities

• Legal next steps

  
  

Avoiding these conversations can lead to confusion, disputes, or even legal battles down the road. Use this year end checklist for long term care now to avoid harder conversations later.

✅ 7. Review the Year End Checklist for Long Term Care Annually

If this list raises more questions than answers, you’re not alone. Long-term care law is complex—and deeply personal. Whether you're worried about a specific concern or just want to make sure everything’s in order, our team is here to help.

Contact JP Sawyer today to schedule a consultation before year’s end. Let’s make sure your loved one and your family are protected, informed, and supported heading into the new year.