In today’s fast-paced and often isolating world, knowing how to do a wellness check is an essential skill. Whether you’re concerned about a family member, friend, neighbor, or coworker, performing a wellness check can save lives and offer peace of mind. With mental health issues and physical health concerns on the rise, wellness checks are no longer just the responsibility of health professionals they’re something every informed and compassionate person should understand.In this comprehensive 2000-word guide, we’ll walk you through what a wellness check is, when it’s appropriate, the legal and ethical considerations, how to perform one effectively, and what steps to take afterward. We’ll also explore digital tools and community resources to help you support the well-being of others.
Table of Contents
What Is a Wellness Check?When Should You Perform a Wellness Check?
Signs That Warrant a Wellness CheckHow to Prepare for a Wellness CheckStep-by-Step: How to Do a Wellness CheckLegal and Ethical ConsiderationsPost-Wellness Check ActionsUsing Technology and Community ResourceHow to Check on Yourself: Self-Wellness Assessment
What Is a Wellness Check?
A wellness check also called a welfare check—is a procedure where someone checks on the safety and health of another individual who may be in distress or unable to communicate. This can be informal, like a phone call or visit, or formal, involving law enforcement or emergency services.These checks are especially important for:Elderly individuals living alone
People with known mental health issuesAnyone who has recently experienced trauma, illness, or crisisThose who have not been heard from for an extended period
When Should You Perform a Wellness Check?
Wellness checks are not just for emergencies. You should consider conducting one whenever:Someone has been unresponsive to calls, texts, or emails
They miss important appointments or commitments
They’ve recently experienced a loss, breakup, or other emotional hardship
You notice unusual behavior, such as incoherent social media posts
A neighbor’s routine drastically changes (e.g., newspapers piling up, no lights)Early intervention can prevent harm. It’s always better to err on the side of caution
Signs That Warrant a Wellness Check
Here are key indicators that someone might need immediate checking in on:Expressing suicidal thoughts or feelingsSudden withdrawal from social interactionsDrastic changes in appearance or hygienSigns of neglect or disorientationStrange behavior like paranoia, hallucinations, or confusionVisible injuries or signs of abuseIf you suspect someone is in imminent danger, contact emergency services immediately.
How to Prepare for a Wellness Check
Before you perform a wellness check, it’s crucial to prepare adequately:Gather Information: Collect the person’s full name, address, phone number, and any relevant medical or mental health history.Contact Mutual Connections: Sometimes a friend or family member may have already spoken to the person.Assess the Situation: Determine whether it’s safer for you to do the check or involve authoritiesIf you’re doing the check yourself, bring a phone, ID, and someone with you for safety if possible.
Step-by-Step: How to Do a Wellness Check
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to conduct a wellness check, both personally and with the help of authorities.Step 1: Attempt ContactBefore visiting in person or calling authorities, try reaching out:Call or text them multiple times at different hoursLeave a voicemail asking for a responseContact them on social mediaecide Between Personal or Official Check If you are nearby and the person is non-threatening, you may do a personal check. Otherwise, contact local police or welfare agencies.Visit Their ResidenceIf safe, go to the individual’s home:Knock firmly and call out their naCheck if mail or packages are piling upListen for sounds of movement insideCall Authorities If NeedeIf there’s no response and you’re concerned, call the non-emergency police line. Request a welfare check and provide:Their full name and addressReason for concernAny known health or safety risksThe police may enter the residence if they believe someone inside is in danger.Stay Present and SupportiveIf the person answers and appears okay:Speak with empathy and ask if they need anything
Offer resources or a ride to a doctor, counselor, etc.Let them know you’re there to support them without judgment
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Before doing a wellness check, consider:Privacy Rights: Avoid entering someone’s home without permission unless you’re law enforcement.
Consent: Respect their autonomy if they’re coherent and not a danger to themselves or others.
Mandated Reporting: In some cases (especially for children or elders), you may be legally obligated to report suspicions of abuse or neglect.
Using Technology and Community Resources
There are modern tools and community organizations designed to assist in wellness efforts:Apps like CaringBridge, Snug Safety, and Safe365 help monitor elderly or at-risk individuals.Smart home tech can track activity levels and detect falls.
Local community centers often run welfare programs.
Churches, shelters, and nonprofits provide mental and physical health assistance.
You can also refer to our resource on Health and Wellness for further support and community programs.
How to Check on Yourself: Self-Wellness Assessments
Wellness checks aren’t just for others. Self-assessments are a proactive way to ensure you’re mentally, emotionally, and physically well.Physical Health ChecklistAm I eating balanced meals?Am I sleeping 7–8 hours per night?Do I exercise at least 3 times a week?Have I felt unusually anxious or sad for more than two weeksDo I feel joy or satisfaction from daily life?Am I managing stress in healthy ways?If the answer to several questions is “no,” consider reaching out for help.
Conclusion
Knowing how to do a wellness check is an essential life skill that allows us to care for those we love—and even strangers—in meaningful ways. In an age where social isolation and mental health struggles are becoming more prevalent, this simple act of concern can make a profound difference.Remember: if you’re ever unsure whether to check on someone, do it. Your efforts could save a life, or at the very least, show someone that they matter.For more tools, guidance, and access to helpful programs, explore our curated resources on Health and Wellness.