The Mid-Year Check-In for Caregivers

You don’t need to do a full overhaul. A simple check-in can help prevent problems, support well-being, and bring peace of mind. Below are five areas to focus on, with quick tips you can use right away.

1. Health and wellness

Good health includes more than just physical care. Energy levels, memory, and emotional well-being can shift over time, sometimes in small ways that are easy to overlook. Regular check ins can help spot changes early.

Ask yourself:

• Have there been new health concerns or doctor visits?
• Are medications still working as expected?
• Has there been a change in mood, memory, or energy?

Quick tip: Jot down any changes in a notebook or calendar. Keeping a simple record can be helpful during future appointments.

2. Daily life and routines

The daily routine can say a lot about how someone is managing. When simple tasks start to feel harder, it may be time to look at new supports or solutions.

Ask yourself:

• Is cooking, dressing, or bathing harder than before?
• Are meals being skipped or forgotten?
• Has anything become more stressful or tiring?

Quick tip: If a task is becoming too much, consider tools that make things easier, such as shower chairs or meal delivery.

3. Safety at home

Home should feel safe and easy to move around in. Over time, even familiar spaces can become harder to navigate, especially if mobility changes.

Ask yourself:

• Are walkways clear of clutter?
• Is lighting bright enough, especially in hallways and bathrooms?
• Are handrails or grab bars needed?

Quick tip: Take a 10-minute walk through the home and note anything that could cause a fall or injury.

4. Social and emotional well-being

Staying connected to others plays a big role in quality of life. When someone starts pulling away from favorite activities or spending more time alone, it may be a sign they need more support.

Ask yourself:

• Has the person been less social than usual?
• Are they showing signs of sadness or boredom?
• Are caregivers feeling overwhelmed?

Quick tip: Plan one thing this month to boost connection. A phone call, listening to music together, an outing at a community event, or joining a memory café can go a long way.

5. Planning and support

Having a plan in place helps reduce stress when the unexpected happens. It’s also a good time to make sure paperwork and communication are still up to date.

Ask yourself:

• Is there a plan in place in case of an emergency?
• Are legal documents, like a power of attorney or advance directives, current?
• Is everyone on the care team still clear on their role?

Quick tip: Choose one item to update now, such as an emergency contact list or medication sheet.

This mid-year check-in is a chance to support better aging, reduce stress, and help everyone involved feel prepared for the months to come. A few small changes today can make the rest of the year feel more manageable for the person you care about and for you.

Disclaimer: This check-in guide is not meant to cover every situation or need. If you or a loved one could use more support, reach out to your healthcare provider or care team for guidance.