7 Steps to Call In a Wellness Check ~ future.housing.org.uk

In a society marked by heightened awareness of mental health issues, the concept of a wellness check has gained significant prominence. It’s a proactive measure that provides individuals with a safety net during moments of crisis or when their well-being is compromised. Whether you’re concerned about a loved one, a neighbor, or an acquaintance, knowing how to call in a wellness check is a crucial skill that can make a profound difference in their lives. This article will guide you through the steps involved in requesting a wellness check and highlight the significance of being a watchful and responsive community member.

Initiating a wellness check involves reaching out to local authorities, typically the police department. It’s essential to provide them with accurate and detailed information about the person you’re concerned about, including their name, physical description, and last known whereabouts. Additionally, clearly state your reasons for requesting the check, explaining any unusual behavior or circumstances that have raised your alarm. The police will then dispatch officers to the individual’s location to assess their well-being and provide assistance as necessary. If the person is found to be in distress or at risk of harming themselves or others, they may be transported to a medical facility for further evaluation and treatment.

Identifying When a Wellness Check Is Necessary

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Recognizing the signs and symptoms that may indicate a need for a wellness check is crucial for ensuring the well-being of loved ones and community members. Here are some key factors to consider:

Physical Health Concerns:

Persistent pain, discomfort, or unexplained physical symptoms
Sudden changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or energy levels
Difficulty performing daily activities or self-care
Unusually high or low body temperature
Confusion or disorientation

Behavioral Changes:

Withdrawal from social activities or isolation
Significant changes in mood, such as irritability, sadness, or anxiety
Erratic or risky behavior
Inability to concentrate or make decisions
Extreme fatigue or apathy

Self-Neglect:

Unkempt appearance or poor hygiene
Living in unsanitary or unsafe conditions
Inability to care for basic needs, such as eating or bathing
Abandonment of pets or property
Financial mismanagement

Specific Situations

In addition to these general signs, certain situations may warrant a wellness check:

Situation	Reason for Concern
Someone has expressed suicidal or homicidal thoughts	Immediate risk of harm to self or others
An elderly person lives alone and has not been seen or heard from for several days	Concern for safety and health
A child has been absent from school or activities without explanation	Potential for abuse or neglect

Contacting Authorities for a Wellness Check

When reaching out to authorities for a wellness check, it’s crucial to provide as much accurate information as possible. Here are the essential details you should include:

1. The Person’s Well-being

Describe any specific concerns or reasons for seeking a wellness check. This may include:

Recent changes in behavior or appearance
Threats of self-harm or harm to others
Reports of abuse or neglect

2. Identifying Information

Provide detailed information about the person in need of assistance, such as:

Full name
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, hair/eye color)
Contact information (email, phone number, address)
Any known medical conditions or allergies

3. Location

Specify the person’s current or last known location, including:

Address or building name
City, state, and zip code
If the location is unknown, provide any recent places they may have visited

Emergency	Non-Emergency
Dial 911	Contact your local police department
Provide details of the situation	Follow the department’s specific procedures
Stay on the line with dispatch	Cooperate with officers and provide additional information

Providing Essential Information to Authorities

Providing accurate and detailed information to the authorities is crucial when calling in a wellness check. The following key elements should be included:

Personal Information

Provide the full name, address, and contact information (including phone number and email address) of the person you are concerned about. If possible, include their social security number or other identifying information.

Reason for Concern

Explain the specific reasons why you are concerned about the person’s well-being. This could include observed changes in behavior, communication, or physical appearance, or any other information that suggests they may need assistance.

Specific Observations

Provide detailed observations about the person’s current state. Include any recent interactions, conversations, or incidents that have raised concerns. Describe any physical or emotional distress, changes in appearance or behavior, or any unusual or concerning patterns.

Specific Observations	Example
Physical Appearance	Unkempt, disheveled, or noticeable changes in weight
Behavior	Appearing withdrawn, agitated, or demonstrating unusual patterns
Communication	Difficulty speaking clearly, confusion, or inability to engage in conversation
Emotional State	Expressing feelings of hopelessness, desperation, or emotional instability
Other	Unpaid bills, unattended pets, or other signs of neglect

Remember to remain calm and provide the authorities with as much specific and relevant information as possible. By doing so, you can help ensure that the individual receives the appropriate assistance and support they need.

Follow-Up After the Wellness Check

Once the initial wellness check is complete, it’s crucial to follow up with the individual to ensure their well-being and provide any necessary support.

Here are key steps for effective follow-up:

Reach out promptly: Contact the individual within 24-48 hours after the wellness check to inquire about their well-being and any concerns they may have.
Listen actively: Allow the individual to share their thoughts and feelings openly, without interrupting or dismissing their concerns.
Provide support and resources: Offer emotional support, reassurance, and information on available resources, such as mental health services, support groups, or community organizations.
Assess needs and plan: Based on the individual’s needs, develop a support plan that outlines specific actions to address their concerns, such as regular check-ins, counseling referrals, or safety precautions.
Document the follow-up: Maintain a record of the follow-up conversation, including the date, time, key points discussed, and any agreed-upon actions.
Monitor progress and adjust: Schedule regular check-ins with the individual to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments to the support plan as needed.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the individual receives ongoing support and that their well-being is regularly monitored.

Here’s a table of common follow-up methods and their effectiveness:

Method	Effectiveness
Phone call	Moderate to high
Text message	Moderate
Email	Low to moderate
In-person visit	High

Handling Situations Where a Check Is Refused

In the event that the person you are concerned about refuses a wellness check, it is crucial to handle the situation with empathy and care. Here are some steps you can take:

Remain Calm and Respectful: Avoid being confrontational or judgmental. Instead, approach the person with compassion and understanding.
Listen to Their Reasons: Ask the person why they are refusing the check. They may have valid concerns or may simply be feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
Offer Alternatives: Suggest alternative ways to address their concerns, such as talking to a trusted friend or family member or seeking professional help.
Provide Information: Explain the purpose of a wellness check and the potential benefits it can provide, emphasizing that it is not a sign of weakness or failure.
Consider a Gradual Approach: If the person is vehemently opposed to a full wellness check, suggest a gradual approach. Start by simply checking in with them regularly via phone or text message to monitor their well-being.
Document Your Attempts: Keep a record of any attempts you make to call in a wellness check, including the date, time, and the person’s response.
Seek Professional Help: If you are unable to convince the person to accept a wellness check, consult with a mental health professional or social services agency for guidance and support.

Situations Where a Check May Be Refused
The person may feel embarrassed or ashamed.
The person may be afraid of losing control or being judged.
The person may be experiencing a crisis and may not be able to see reason.

Legal Considerations for Wellness Checks

When calling in a wellness check, it is important to be aware of the legal considerations involved. These considerations include:

1. Reasonable Suspicion

To request a wellness check, you must have a reasonable suspicion that the individual is in danger or is unable to care for themselves. This suspicion can be based on observations of the individual’s behavior, statements, or circumstances.

2. Consent

In most cases, the individual’s consent is required for a wellness check. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as when the individual is unconscious or unable to give consent.

3. Scope of the Check

The scope of the wellness check should be limited to what is necessary to determine the individual’s well-being. This may include checking the individual’s vital signs, mental status, and living conditions.

4. Confidentiality

The information obtained during a wellness check is confidential and must be protected from unauthorized disclosure. This includes information about the individual’s mental health, substance use, and other personal information.

5. False Reports

Making a false report of a wellness check can be a crime. It is important to only call in a wellness check when you have a reasonable suspicion that the individual is in danger or is unable to care for themselves.

6. Duty to Report

In some cases, there may be a legal duty to report a wellness check. For example, if a healthcare professional observes signs of elder abuse or neglect, they may be required to report the incident to the authorities.

State	Statute	Summary
California	Welfare & Institutions Code §5328	Healthcare professionals are required to report suspected cases of elder abuse.
Florida	Florida Statutes §415.102	Mandatory reporting of elder abuse by any person who has reasonable cause to suspect it.
New York	Public Health Law §2803-c	Healthcare workers must report suspected cases of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Signs of Substance Abuse That Require a Check

Substance abuse can lead to serious health problems, including overdose and death. If you are concerned that someone you know is abusing substances, it is important to call in a wellness check. Here are some signs that indicate a person may need a wellness check due to substance abuse:

Changes in behavior

Someone who is abusing substances may experience changes in their behavior, such as becoming more withdrawn or irritable. They may also start to neglect their responsibilities at work or school.

Physical changes

Substance abuse can also lead to physical changes, such as weight loss or gain, changes in appetite, and sleep problems. The person may also have slurred speech or difficulty walking.

Mental health problems

Substance abuse can also lead to mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and paranoia. The person may also experience hallucinations or delusions.

Unusual behavior

Someone that’s high on drugs or drunk may exhibit unusual behavior such as walking strangely, talking to themselves, or getting angry for no reason.

Strong body odor

Drugs and alcohol can produce a strong smell that can linger on a person’s body and clothes even after they’ve sobered up.

Track marks

If the person injects drugs, they may have track marks on their arms or legs. These are small, dark spots that are caused by the needle.

Seizures

Seizures are a serious medical condition that can be caused by substance abuse. If someone has a seizure, it is important to call 911 immediately.

Overdose

An overdose is a medical emergency that can be fatal. If you think someone has overdosed, call 911 immediately.

Signs of Substance Abuse That Require a Check
Behavioral	Physical	Mental Health
– Changes in behavior	– Weight loss or gain	– Depression
– Withdrawal	– Changes in appetite	– Anxiety
– Neglecting responsibilities	– Sleep problems	– Paranoia
– Unusual behavior	– Slurred speech	– Hallucinations
– Strong body odor	– Difficulty walking	– Delusions
	– Track marks
	– Seizures
	– Overdose

Resources for Reporting Suspected Child Abuse

Recognizing the signs of child abuse and reporting it promptly is crucial for protecting children. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, do not hesitate to make a report.

9. Local Child Protective Services (CPS)

Each state has a designated agency responsible for investigating reports of child abuse and neglect. Contact information for your local CPS agency can be found online or in the phone book. You can make a report by calling the toll-free Childhelp USA hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or visiting their website at www.childhelpusa.org.

Organization	Contact Information
National Child Abuse Hotline	1-800-422-4453
Childhelp USA	1-800-422-4453
Local Child Protective Services (CPS)	[Contact information for your local agency]

When making a report, be prepared to provide as much information as possible, including the child’s name, age, location, and any suspicious behavior or injuries you have observed. You can remain anonymous if you wish.

10. Tips for Requesting a Wellness Check

When calling in a wellness check, it is important to provide as much detailed information as possible to the dispatcher. This will help them assess the situation and determine the best course of action. Here are some tips for providing effective information:

Be specific about the person you are concerned about. Provide their full name, age, address, and any other identifying information you have.
Explain your reasons for being concerned. Describe any unusual or concerning behavior you have observed, such as social withdrawal, changes in mood, or threats of self-harm.
Provide any relevant medical information. If the person has any known medical conditions or is taking any medications, be sure to mention this.
Be prepared to answer questions. The dispatcher may ask you for additional information, such as the person’s height, weight, or hair color.
Stay calm and cooperative. The dispatcher’s job is to help you, so it is important to be patient and answer their questions as best you can.

In addition to these tips, it may also be helpful to provide the following information if you have it:

Information	Example
Recent contact information	The person’s phone number or email address
List of concerned individuals	Names and contact information of family members, friends, or neighbors who are also worried about the person
Additional notes	Anything else you think the dispatcher should know, such as if the person has a history of mental illness or substance abuse

How To Call In A Wellness Check

If you’re concerned about someone’s well-being, you can call in a wellness check. A wellness check is a visit from law enforcement or emergency medical services to check on someone’s safety. You can call in a wellness check if you think someone is in danger, is experiencing a mental health crisis, or is unable to care for themselves.

To call in a wellness check, you can dial 911 or your local non-emergency number. When you call, be prepared to give the dispatcher the following information:

Your name and contact information
The name and address of the person you’re concerned about
The reason you’re concerned about their well-being
Any other information that you think might be helpful

The dispatcher will then send a law enforcement officer or emergency medical technician to the person’s home to check on their well-being. The officer or technician will assess the person’s situation and determine if they need any assistance.

7 Steps to Call In a Wellness Check