Hawthorne Court: A Season to Shine Brighter

Oct 20, Alissa Sauer

The holidays are a time for gathering, reminiscing, and reconnecting with family. But they’re also when adult children may begin to notice subtle changes in their parents. Maybe Mom seems more withdrawn than usual. Maybe Dad is skipping meals or struggling with mobility. Shorter days, colder weather, and fewer social opportunities often make the winter months even harder for older adults living alone. At Hawthorne Court, managed by Leisure Care, we believe this season should shine brighter, filled with connection, joy, and peace of mind.

Signs It May Be Time to Consider Senior Living

Recent studies show that one in four adults over age 65 is socially isolated, a factor linked to higher risks of dementia, heart disease, and other serious health issues. Holiday visits often bring the harsh realities of this all-too-common isolation into focus. During longer family visits, it’s common to notice things you might not see day-to-day.

Some signs that your parent may benefit from additional support include:

• Missed medications or unopened mail piling up

• Decreased interest in cooking, cleaning, or hobbies they once loved

• Signs of loneliness or isolation, especially if they’ve lost a partner or close friends

• Safety concerns like falls, unsteady walking, or difficulty driving in winter conditions

• Weight loss, poor nutrition, or fatigue

These are often the first signals that your loved one would thrive in a community where care and connection are part of everyday life.

Starting the Conversation with Compassion

Bringing up senior living with a parent is never easy. It can feel uncomfortable, emotional, and even overwhelming to think about such a big change. The key is to approach the conversation with empathy, focusing on your parents’ well-being and the benefits of senior living, rather than what they might “lose.”

Instead of beginning with limitations, start with observations and care. Phrases like, “I’ve noticed it seems harder to get out in the winter. Would you feel better knowing you had people around to share meals or help if you needed it?” invite your parent into the discussion without judgment. This shifts the conversation from what they can’t do to how their life could be enriched by more support and connection.

It’s also important to listen. Ask open-ended questions about how they’re feeling day-to-day, what challenges they’re facing, and what matters most to them. By keeping the conversation collaborative rather than directive, you demonstrate respect for their independence and dignity.

At Hawthorne Court, families often tell us their loved ones feel relieved once the idea is on the table. What may start as hesitation often turns into hope when parents realize senior living doesn’t take away independence; it supports it. For many, the move feels like permission to let go of the burdens of managing a household alone, while still holding onto the freedom and choice they value most.

Winter Benefits of Senior Living

Winter can be one of the most challenging times of year for older adults living alone. Shorter days, colder weather, and icy sidewalks can make even simple tasks, like grocery shopping or walking to the mailbox, feel overwhelming or unsafe. Add in the long evenings and limited social opportunities, and many older adults find themselves isolated just when connection matters most.

At Hawthorne Court, winter looks entirely different. Here, your loved one will find more than care. They’ll find community, connection, and a lifestyle filled with possibility and opportunity. Warm, chef-prepared meals are shared with friends around the table, eliminating the stress of cooking or dining alone. A vibrant calendar of events ensures there’s always something to look forward to, from festive holiday gatherings to casual coffee chats by the fire. Fitness and wellness programs, including our signature PrimeFit Wellness™, keep residents active, engaged, and thriving in every season, while personalized support provides comfort and peace of mind for families.

Backed by nearly 50 years of Leisure Care excellence, Hawthorne Court is reimagining what senior living can be: a place where confidence, companionship, and compassionate care come together. Offering a range of services that include independent living and assisted living we inspire older adults to embrace joy, purpose, and bold living every day of retirement.

Where winter can bring isolation, Hawthorne Court brings connection. Where safety might be a concern, we offer reassurance. Where loneliness may loom, neighbors quickly become friends. Families can rest easy knowing their loved ones aren’t just safe, but surrounded by care, community, and joy in every season.

A Season to Shine Brighter

The holidays are a reminder of the traditions your parents created for you – the cookies baked, the lights strung, the memories made. Now, it’s their turn to enjoy a season filled with joy, companionship, and confidence. Choosing Hawthorne Court doesn’t mean giving up independence. It means finding the right support to keep living with purpose, surrounded by people who care.

This winter, if you notice changes in your parents, let the holidays open the door to an honest, compassionate conversation about the future. At Hawthorne Court, every season is an opportunity to shine brighter.

Schedule your visit today and see how we help older adults live with confidence, connection, and joy.