Annual Check–In - December Newsletter
- Kate Helmore
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
This month's newsletter is one I do a similar version of each year – if you’ve been subscribed for a while, I apologise if it feels repetitive. However, I think end of year celebrations are always the perfect time to check-in on our loved ones and take stock of how their health is – physically, mentally, emotionally and maybe even spiritually (if that’s important to them).
For this reason, the theme I’ve chosen for December is “Annual Check-In”.
Sometimes when we see our ageing loved ones regularly it can be hard to stop, take a step-back and assess how they’re going. Decline can happen gradually (or sometimes more dramatically!) and it can be easily to miss some of the signs that it’s time to get help.
Last year I created a ‘Festive Season Checklist’, which I’ve included again this year. This can be a helpful starting point to look at the various aspects of your loved one’s life and consider how independent they are in each area.
Tip: To save a copy of the Festive Season Checklist above, hover your mouse over the image, right mouse click, and 'Save image as' to your computer.
By looking holistically at all facets of their life, we’re able to see if there are any areas that need attention. It’s common for ageing individuals to be doing quite well in some areas, but starting to show signs of decline in others. I find using a checklist like this helpful, as we can reiterate all the wonderful things they’re achieving independently, whilst also prompting conversations about getting help in others.
You know your loved one best and will know which approach to take with them. Either you can use this checklist as a tool to sit down together and go through each aspect of their care or if they’re not up to participating, you could complete independently as your own reference point.
HOW TO USE THE CHECKLIST
If you’re going to do it together, we really want to use a strengths-based approach and focus on all the wonderful things they can do on their own or with some assistance. When it comes to the things they’re finding challenging, be gentle. Acknowledge how hard it must be to struggle to get dressed on your own or give up your license or not always get to the toilet on time. It’s important to acknowledge their feelings before jumping straight into solutions. You also don’t need to find a solution in that same discussion. You might just work through the checklist and then make a time in the new year to sit down and talk about what support could be helpful. Anytime I discuss adding support in the home for clients, I reiterate that seeking proactive support is what gives them the best chance of remaining at home. Most people want to stay at home and the best way for them to do that is accepting small bits of help along the way.
If you’re completing the checklist on your own, it’s possible your loved one has little insight into their own care needs or is very private and reluctant to discuss. It can be helpful to talk with other people involved in their lives (e.g. your siblings, their neighbour, their GP) to gauge their observations. I often refer to this as ‘putting the puzzle pieces together’. You may see one perspective of your loved one, but their neighbour might have another important piece to add. By gathering as much information as possible, it gives you a better idea of how they’re going and what supports might be required.
SO, THEY NEED HELP, WHAT’S NEXT?
If you have discussed additional care with them and they’re accepting, then it’s time to get them more support.
a) Already Have Home Care Package/Support At Home
If they already have a Home Care Package/Support at Home, then I would start by contacting their provider and asking if they have funding available for additional supports. If not, you can request the provider seek re-assessment and explain the changes to your loved one’s care needs.
b) On The Waitlist For Package
If they are on the waitlist for a package, you could contact My Aged Care and request a ‘reprioritisation’ of their package. You would need to explain what’s changed and what additional care they’re now requiring. This would likely be sent back through to the assessors who will want to know what’s changed since their last assessment.
c) Not Yet Been Assessed
If your loved one has never been assessed or you are unsure if they have, you would contact My Aged Care and request an assessment. They will ask why they’re needing support and this is when you would detail what tasks have become challenging for them and what risk there is to their safety.
BUT WHAT IF THEY SAY THEY DON’T WANT ANY HELP?
This is a whole complex topic in itself, which I have touched on in a previous newsletter HERE. However, it mainly comes down to whether they have cognitive capacity to understand the risks of the situation. E.g. if your loved one is of sound mind, but stubborn – they may choose not have any help. As hard as this can be, they are a full-grown adult who can make their own decisions (even if we don’t agree with them). However, if they are living with dementia or another impairment that means they are unable to fully comprehend the potential risks of not accepting help, then you may need to step in.*
*This could be a whole newsletter in itself, but I would start by speaking with their health professionals to share your concerns. If they are also concerned for their wellbeing and feel urgent help is required, application to SACAT may be required to give you decision making powers for the individual. This is never the first path I like to go down, however it is sometimes necessary to ensure our loved ones remain safe.
If you’ve been through your checklist and have some concerns, but don’t feel confident with what to do next, please feel free to send me an email – kate@navigateagedcare.com.au. As I will be on maternity leave, I won’t be quite as responsive through early 2026, but I can give some general advice and help point you in the right direction.
As always, please feel free to pass this newsletter on to friends or family. If they want to subscribe, they can do so via my website.
If you want to have a look through some old podcast episodes, you can search for ‘The Truth About Ageing’. I release episodes sporadically which are available through your favourite podcast app (Apple Podcasts, Spotify) or at
Occasionally I also post updates on socials, which you can find at:
Facebook - @navigateagedcareau
Instagram - @thetruthaboutageing
Big love,
Kate.
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