With the holiday season approaching, HCR Home Care is reminding patients across New York to keep their medical appointments—even during the busiest time of year.
The Rochester-based home care provider says it sees a sharp rise in missed visits during November and December, often leading to serious health consequences like hospitalizations, infections, and delayed recovery from surgery.
“The holiday season is a very busy time, but we strongly encourage patients to maintain their care routines,” said Adrianne Mann, chief nursing officer at HCR. “Missing home care visits and other medical appointments can lead to the exacerbation of chronic illnesses, serious health risks, and extended recovery times.”
Mann added that sticking to scheduled care helps patients stay on track and avoid setbacks that could ruin their holiday plans—or land them in the hospital.
Why holiday health risks increase
Common seasonal habits—like heavier meals, more alcohol, and less physical activity—can worsen conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Combine that with icy sidewalks, cold weather, and canceled medical checkups, and the risk of falls, infections, or hospitalization goes up.
HCR says staying consistent with care can make all the difference, especially for people recovering from surgery or managing chronic illnesses.
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