Checking in on wellbeing – what does it look like?

Understanding Wellbeing Check-Ins

A wellbeing check-in is a brief conversation or visit designed to monitor how someone is doing in their day-to-day life. It's not about formal assessments—it's about connecting with a person in a genuine, respectful, and supportive way.

These check-ins are especially helpful for NDIS participants who may be:

• Living alone or feeling isolated
• Going through big life changes
• Recovering from illness or mental health challenges
• Navigating new environments or routines

The goal is simple: to ask, "How are you feeling?" and to listen closely to the answer.

Why They Matter

Wellbeing check-ins help build relationships and trust, but they also serve a deeper purpose. They allow support workers and providers to:

• Notice early signs of physical or emotional distress
• Reduce feelings of loneliness or anxiety
• Encourage healthy routines and habits
• Document concerns in progress notes for future planning
• Offer early support before issues become emergencies

These small moments of care can make a big difference over time.

What Happens During a Check-In?

Each check-in will be different depending on the person's needs and communication style. But typically, a wellbeing check-in includes:

• A few thoughtful questions about how the person is feeling
• A check on the home environment or daily routines
• A conversation about what's been happening in their life recently
• Encouragement to share anything that might be worrying them
• Updates to care plans or progress notes if needed

Check-ins can take place over the phone, in person, or even through video if that's more comfortable.

Who Provides Them?

Wellbeing check-ins can be delivered by a wide range of support people, including:

• Support workers
• Mental health support staff
• Allied health professionals
• Carers or family members
• Community nurses or outreach staff

At Ably Care, our support workers receive specific training to deliver wellbeing check-ins as part of a person-centred approach.

The Role of NDIS and Providers

The NDIS doesn't always fund wellbeing check-ins as a separate service. However, they are often included within:

• Core Supports (e.g., Assistance with Daily Living)
• Capacity Building Supports (e.g., Improved Daily Living Skills)
• Monitoring or safeguarding support in high-risk environments

Wellbeing check-ins help providers meet duty-of-care obligations and promote safer, more supportive services.

Ably Care's Approach

At Ably Care, we view wellbeing check-ins as essential to providing high-quality, person-centred support.

Our check-ins are:

• Respectful of each person's privacy and communication style
• Done regularly to build trust and consistency
• Focused on listening, not just ticking boxes
• Used to inform care planning and support decision-making

We believe that when people feel heard and supported, they are more empowered to live independently and confidently.

Tips for Meaningful Check-Ins

• Be consistent. Regular check-ins build familiarity and trust.
• Ask open questions. Try "What's been on your mind lately?" instead of "Are you okay?"
• Don't rush. Give space for silence and honest answers.
• Pay attention to the environment and body language.
• Record notes clearly and respectfully for continuity of care.
• Raise any concerns early with your team or supervisor.

At Ably Care, our commitment is to make every interaction count, so participants feel supported and valued every step of the way. A wellbeing check-in might seem small, but its impact can be significant. It's not just about health—it's about connection, safety, and dignity.