What is a Wellness Check?

The COVID-19 pandemic can prevent you from seeing your loved one as often as you would like. This can be anxiety-provoking if you’re worried about their health and safety, but fortunately, a wellness check can ensure they’re okay under dangerous circumstances. Let’s take a closer look at what wellness checks entail.

What is a wellness check?
If you’re concerned about your loved one’s well-being, you can make a call to your local police department. Officers will then check in with the person to make sure they are safe.

What does a wellness check involve?
Officers will knock on your loved one’s door several times before waiting for a response. During this time, officers do not have to disclose that they are law enforcement. If they do not receive an answer, they enter the premises. If the person is in good health, they will notify you. However, if the person is ill, injured, or deceased, they will immediately call for medical assistance and request your presence. They will remain in the home until your arrival. In addition, if the person is found dead and they suspect foul play, law enforcement will launch a criminal investigation.

How do I do a wellness check?
In addition to requesting outside help, there are many other ways to perform wellness checks. If your loved one needs more maintenance, consider a calling service. These services can be either automated robocalls or a live person checking in. In addition, some video call devices are equipped with auto-answering technology. This gives you the ability to check in on your loved ones at a moment’s notice, almost as if they are home with you. If they don’t respond to your voice, be sure to call law enforcement.

When do you call a wellness check?
You should consider making a call for a wellness check when your loved one is acting out of character. This can vary from person to person. After all, some people follow strict routines, while others can be more spontaneous. But if they don’t call you at a normally scheduled time or if they don’t return your calls, a wellness check may be a good idea. In addition, consider a wellness check when seasonal changes occur, as seniors are more susceptible to temperature-related illnesses like hypothermia.

Who calls for a wellness check?
Not only can you use call services and notify the police, but you can also find a friend in your loved one’s neighborhood. Ask them to check in and knock to see if they answer (following social distancing guidelines). If they still don’t answer, you should call law enforcement immediately.

How do you ask law enforcement to conduct a wellness check?
Once you have exhausted all resources (i.e. they don’t respond to your calls or video chats, they don’t answer the door when you or someone else knocks), you should contact local law enforcement and if you have reason to believe they are in serious danger, dial 911. It is important not to contact law enforcement unless absolutely necessary because sometimes people make fake calls – whether it is a prank or because there are issues between the caller and the other person. If it turns out to be a fake call, the police will press charges against the person who initiated it.