Something has changed
A calm checklist for noticing patterns and deciding who to speak to next
Republic of Ireland only · Last reviewed: 18 July 2026
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Before you begin
- You do not need to know what is wrong. You do not need to diagnose anything.
- Use this sheet to write down what you have actually seen or heard. One small change may mean very little. A pattern, or a change from what is usual for your relative, may be worth discussing with them and with an appropriate professional.
- This is an observation tool, not a medical assessment.
Write in the details
Relative's name:
Completed by:
Date:
Period covered:
What have you noticed?
Around the home
- Unopened post or unpaid bills
- Very little food, or food that has gone off
- The home is unusually cold
- Clutter, unwashed dishes or laundry that is out of character
- A burnt pot, damaged appliance or other possible fire risk
- Signs that a fall may have happened
- Something else
Day-to-day routines
- Missed appointments or regular commitments
- Difficulty managing a familiar task
- Less washing, dressing or personal care than usual
- No longer using the stairs, car or another familiar part of daily life
- Asking the same question repeatedly during a short conversation
- Something else
Medication and health
- Medication appears to have been missed or taken differently
- New difficulty walking or getting around
- Clothes appear looser, or eating habits have changed
- A noticeable change in hearing, vision or communication
- A health concern they have not discussed with a professional
- Something else
Do not change, stop or reorganise medication yourself. Ask a pharmacist, GP or another healthcare professional if you are concerned.
Mood and social contact
- Less contact with friends, neighbours or usual activities
- Less interest in things they normally enjoy
- A change in mood or behaviour that feels out of character
- They have spoken about feeling lonely or unsafe
- Something else
Money, callers and personal safety
- Unfamiliar payments or repeated purchases
- Confusion about money or paperwork
- A new person taking an unusual interest in their money or property
- They appear frightened, controlled, neglected or treated badly
- Something else
Record the facts
Record what happened rather than a conclusion. For example: 'Asked what day it was four times during a 20-minute visit.'
| Date | What I saw or heard | Was anyone else present? | What changed from usual? |
|---|---|---|---|
Questions to ask your relative
- I noticed __________. How have things been for you?
- Is anything feeling harder than it used to?
- Is there anything you would like help with?
- Would you be comfortable talking to your GP, pharmacist or public health nurse?
- Who would you like involved in the conversation?
- Is there anything you do not want us to arrange without asking you?
Questions for a GP or professional
- What information would be useful for me to bring?
- Could any recent change need a professional assessment?
- Who is the right person to contact about support at home?
- Would a public health nurse, occupational therapist or another service be relevant?
- What should the family monitor or record?
- When and how should we follow up?
Choose one next step
- Talk with my relative
- Ask someone who sees them regularly what they have noticed
- Contact their GP or pharmacist, with my relative's agreement where possible
- Ask HSE Live where to find the relevant local service
- Contact Family Carers Ireland for carer-specific guidance
- Contact a local HSE safeguarding and protection team about possible abuse or neglect
- Other
Useful contacts
HSE Live
Phone
1800 700 700
Family Carers Ireland
Phone
1800 24 07 24
Important
- This resource is general information, not a medical assessment and not medical, legal or financial advice.
- Where possible, involve your relative in decisions, ask what support they want and respect their wishes. Concern does not remove their voice.
- For a non-emergency concern about possible abuse or neglect, speak to a GP, public health nurse or local HSE safeguarding and protection team. You can report what you know even if you do not have every detail.
- If someone needs immediate medical help or is at immediate risk of harm, call 112 or 999.
Sources
Checked 18 July 2026. Links may change.