I. Introduction
When was the last time you checked in on someone’s well-being? A wellness check is an essential way to ensure our loved ones and ourselves are safe and healthy. It involves looking out for signs of physical or mental distress and taking action to address any concerns.
There are different approaches to doing a wellness check, including:
- Step-by-step guide
- Checklist approach
- Video tutorial
- Personal experience
- Interview approach
- Scenario-based
In this article, we’ll explore each of these approaches to help you learn how to do a wellness check and why it’s essential.
II. Step-by-Step Guide
When doing a wellness check, it’s important to consider both physical and mental health. Here’s a step-by-step guide to follow:
- Approach the individual gently and with concern. Explain why you’re there and communicate that you want to make sure they’re okay.
- Physically examine them, looking for any signs of discomfort, pain, or illness.
- Observe their behavior for any signs of mental distress, such as emotional outbursts, irritability or social withdrawal.
- Ask them questions about their wellbeing, but be mindful of their comfort level and privacy.
- If you do notice any physical or mental concerns, take appropriate action, such as recommending a visit to the doctor or encouraging them to speak with a mental health professional.
It’s also important to ensure that you maintain confidentiality, respect boundaries, and avoid making any assumptions about the individual’s situation.
When examining someone’s physical health, consider items such as:
- Body temperature
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Signs of injury, bruising, or swelling
- Appearance of skin, hair, and nails
- Sensory responses
- Breathing patterns
- Hydration levels
When observing someone’s mental well-being, consider items such as:
- Changes in behavior, such as social withdrawal or irritability
- Changes in mood, such as sadness or anxiousness
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Signs of hallucinations or delusions
- Signs of substance abuse
- Any recent life changes that may affect mental health
III. Checklist Approach
A checklist can help you stay organized and ensure you’re thorough when doing a wellness check. Here are some items to consider when using a checklist approach:
Questions to Ask
- How are you feeling physically and emotionally?
- Have you experienced any recent stressors or challenges?
- Are you experiencing any pain or discomfort?
- Have you experienced any changes in appetite, sleep, or energy levels?
- Have you experience any recent conflicts or experiences of trauma?
- Is there anything you’re worried about or feel like you need help with?
- Are you taking any medications, and if so, how are they affecting you?
Physical Signs to Look for
- difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- change in weight
- changes in skin color or texture
- pain or discomfort in any area of the body
- bruising or swelling
- sluggish movement or speech
- signs of dehydration or malnutrition
Things to Be Aware of
- Medication interactions
- Contraindications with pre-existing conditions
- Financial concerns affecting their ability for medical care
- Cultural norms and stigmas around seeking care
- Their comfort level, including any potential triggers for mental health concerns
The goal is to be thorough in assessing physical and mental health while also considering their background and lifestyle factors that may impact their well-being.
IV. Video Tutorial
For those who prefer visual aids, a video tutorial can be beneficial. Many organizations offer wellness check tutorials online, such as hospitals and community organizations with nursing, mental health, and social work associated programs.
Here is an example of what you might expect to see in a video tutorial:
Written instructions for any video tutorial can also be included for those who prefer the accessibility of written language, such as providing a transcript or summary of the video content.
V. Personal Experience
Personal experience feedback can be invaluable when it comes to understanding how to do a wellness check. Here is an example of a personal experience someone has had during a wellness check:
My grandmother has dementia, and in the early days, I remember checking in on her regularly to ensure she was doing okay. One day, I noticed she had become more withdrawn and less responsive than usual. I observed her behavior and saw signs that she was struggling mentally and emotionally.
I decided to encourage her to see a healthcare provider, which ultimately led to her receiving a more formal diagnosis and treatment plan that improved her quality of life. We were lucky that we caught it early, but it made me realize the importance of doing regular wellness checks to catch problems early on.
This account illustrates that the observation of mental well-being is as important as physical health when conducting a wellness check.
VI. Interview Approach
Healthcare providers, mental health professionals, and social workers can offer expert insights when it comes to conducting wellness checks. Talking to professionals can help you understand best practices and strategies for ensuring your wellness check is thorough and effective.
An interview approach would involve reaching out to healthcare providers and asking them questions such as:
- What are the biggest signs of mental or physical distress individuals should look for, and what do they signify?
- What are some common misconceptions about doing a wellness check that you often hear, and how would you correct them?
- What are traditional or cultural barriers that might prevent individuals from seeking help during a wellness check, and how could someone overcome them?
- What can individuals do to encourage their loved ones to maintain their physical and mental health?
The goal would be to learn from experts who have had experience in conducting wellness checks in different contexts and scenarios.
VII. Scenario-Based
We all encounter different scenarios where we might need to do a wellness check. Here are some examples:
Example One: Checking On an Elderly Relative
You are visiting your elderly parent and notice they have lost a lot of weight, seem more emotionally fragile, and are less capable of completing daily tasks. Follow the step-by-step script to conduct a wellness check and be mindful of any underlying conditions that might impact their independence. Consider reaching out to a healthcare provider for support and treatment options.
Example Two: Concerns About a Friend’s Mental Health
You notice that a friend who is usually bright and energetic has become very withdrawn and unusually negative in their conversations and behavior. Ask them about what’s been going on and observe their response. Ask them unintrusive questions without forcing that they divulge full details. Encourage them to reach out for help and consider supporting them in finding a healthcare professional to speak with if there seems to be a concerning indication of mental distress.
Example Three: Worried About a Child’s Behavior
A friend’s child seems overly anxious and in need of support, but the friend appears to be unaware or unwilling to intervene. Depending on the context, you could have a conversation with the child’s parents, ask them open questions that allow for gentle feedback, or even involve another family member who might be able to have more influence on their parents’ behavior. Being open and non-intrusive is generally the best approach in these situations, along with emphasizing the importance of the child’s welfare while respecting the parents’ autonomy.
VIII. Conclusion
Wellness checks are an essential way to ensure our loved ones’ health and safety. This article has provided tips and guidance on how to approach a wellness check using various techniques, including a step-by-step guide, checklist approach, video tutorial, personal experience, expert interviews, and scenario-based strategies. Whether you prefer video content, written instructions, or simply a few questions to keep in mind during your next check-in, remember the importance of being attentive, respectful, and thorough.
