Welfare Checks for Older People

As our loved ones get older, it’s natural to worry about their safety and well-being. Changes in health, mobility or memory can increase the risk of accidents or isolation, making regular contact essential, especially if they live alone. 

Welfare checks offer a simple but effective way to ensure older adults remain safe and supported. Today, we’ll explore what welfare checks are, why they matter and how they can be used to support older people living independently.

What Is a Welfare Check? 

A welfare check is a routine visit to ensure an older person is safe and able to manage daily life. These checks can be informal or structured, depending on the individual’s needs.

There are several ways to check in on older adults and ensure their welfare, such as:

• A phone call or video call
• A visit to the home
• Monitoring through technology or alarm systems
• Professional care visits

Welfare checks can identify any concerns early, whether that’s a change in health, a fall risk, or signs of loneliness, and take appropriate action. They are often very useful at preventing dangers rather than waiting until an incident occurs. 

Why Are Welfare Checks So Important?

Regular welfare checks can provide peace of mind for both older adults and their loved ones. They can help prevent small issues from becoming more serious problems. 

Welfare checks are so important because:

• They can detect health changes early – Subtle changes in behaviour, appetite or mobility can be early signs of health concerns. Regular check-ins make it easier to notice these changes and seek help when needed.
• Checks reduce the risk of isolation – Loneliness is a common issue among older adults, particularly those living alone. Regular contact can provide emotional support and help individuals feel valued and connected.
• They can improve safety at home and flag potential dangers – Welfare checks can highlight potential risks in the home, such as trip hazards, poor lighting or difficulties with daily tasks. Addressing these issues can reduce the likelihood of accidents.
• They can provide reassurance for families – Knowing that someone is regularly checking in can ease family members’ worries if they do not live nearby or cannot visit frequently.

Different Types of Welfare Checks

There are several different types of welfare checks, from informal drop-ins to professional visits. The type of welfare check you decide on will depend on your loved one’s needs, preferences and level of independence.

Informal Checks by Family and Friends

Many welfare checks are carried out by loved ones. These check-ins are the most informal option, and can provide both practical support and social interaction to older adults living alone. 

Informal checks may include daily phone calls, weekly visits or regular drop-ins with shopping or meals. Many older adults prefer informal checks as they don’t feel like they’re being watched or monitored. 

Professional Welfare Checks

Professional carers can provide regular welfare visits for individuals who require more consistent or structured support. This ensures a high standard and continuity of care, without loved ones having to provide round-the-clock assistance.

Welfare drop-in checks conducted by care professionals may include:

• Health and well-being monitoring
• Assisting with daily routines
• Support with medication reminders
• Any concerns reported to family members

Technology-Based Welfare Checks

Modern technology can also help monitor the well-being of older adults. Tools such as personal alarms, fall detection devices and smart home sensors can help you monitor loved ones, even when you don’t live close or are on holiday. 

Technology is best used to complement in-person visits rather than replace them. Certain devices can offer you reassurance that your loved one is okay between check-ins, but they can’t replace professional care or companionship. 

What Happens During a Welfare Check? 

A welfare check aims to ensure individuals are safe, comfortable and coping well while living at home.

This means that checks are often tailored to the individual, but generally speaking, the person conducting the check may: 

• Ask how your loved one is feeling physically and emotionally
  
• Check that they have eaten and stayed hydrated
  
• Ensure medication has been taken correctly
  
• Look for any changes in mobility or behaviour
  
• Assess the home environment for safety risks
  
• Spend time chatting and providing companionship

Are Welfare Checks Regular or One-Off? 

Traditional welfare checks are primarily one-off, emergency responses to a specific concern for a person’s safety. However, people can also schedule regular check-ins for older adults, especially if there are potential risks to their health and well-being. 

One-off welfare checks are often conducted by the police and are initiated when someone reports that they can’t contact a person or have concerns about their safety. 

Routine welfare checks can be carried out by loved ones or professional carers who visit a person’s house depending on a predetermined schedule. 

How Often Should I Schedule Welfare Checks For an Older Person? 

There’s no set number of welfare checks a person requires in a week, as this number will depend on the individual and their current needs. For example, some people may only need a weekly phone call with a trusted friend or family member. 

Others may require daily visits or multiple check-ins throughout the day to ensure their safety and meets are being met. 

When considering how many welfare checks to schedule for an elderly loved one, ask yourself: 

• How is their overall health?
  
• Can they walk confidently around the house?
  
• Are they living at home or with someone else?
  
• Do they have a higher risk of falling due to medical conditions or mobility?
  
• Are they generally independent in everyday life? 

The answers to these questions will help you get a better understanding of your loved one’s situation and what type of care they need. Regular welfare checks might be a sign that your loved one needs more comprehensive support, such as live-in care. 

Do Welfare Checks Reduce Independence? 

A common concern among older adults is that welfare checks will reduce their independence, make them more reliant on people, and take away from their alone time. It can be difficult to keep a loved one safe without encroaching on their independence, but there are ways to avoid this. 

To maintain your loved one’s independence, make sure their welfare checks are:

• Respectful of personal space and routines
• Agreed upon wherever possible
• Focused on enabling and honouring independence

How Trinity Homecare Can Help

At Trinity Homecare, we pride ourselves on offering compassionate live-in and visiting care services through fully-trained, experienced carers. We can organise regular welfare check visits for your loved one based on their needs and preferences, as part of a tailored care plan. 

Our routine visits are provided on a one-to-one basis, ensuring enough time for our carers to support your loved one’s independence without taking over. They can provide regular updates to friends and family members, giving you peace of mind that your loved one is receiving the best possible standard of care. 

Talk to us today 

At Trinity Homecare, our ultimate goal is to enrich your lifestyle in the comfort and familiarity of your own home. This allows you to live the independent lifestyle that you love without the daunting thought of moving into a care home. We are here to support you with various forms of live-in care. 

Call us now on 0207 183 4884 in confidence for a free no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.