As we age, staying healthy becomes more than just a personal priority. It becomes a crucial part of maintaining independence, quality of life, and peace of mind for both seniors and their loved ones.
Regular wellness checks are a simple yet powerful way to catch health concerns early, support mental and emotional well-being, and ensure that seniors are living safely and comfortably. Whether you’re a caregiver, a family member, or a senior yourself, understanding the value of wellness checks for the elderly can make a world of difference.
What are Senior Wellness Checks?
Wellness checks for seniors can refer to different types of check-ins on older adults. Many use the term to mean law enforcement welfare checks, informal welfare checks, or Medicare Annual Wellness Visits. These checks are all unique, however, with different procedures, goals, and benefits.
Types of Senior Checks
- Police welfare checks
- Informal welfare checks
- Medicare Annual Wellness Visits
Police Welfare Checks for Seniors
Law enforcement welfare checks for seniors are in-person checks run by local authorities. They evaluate the immediate safety and well-being of an older adult if the senior is suspected to have poor health, be in poor living conditions, and/or experiencing a crisis.
Welfare checks evaluate the senior’s mental health, cognitive abilities, and the safety of their living conditions. They can lead to the senior being removed from current living conditions if deemed unsafe. They may also connect the senior with appropriate emergency care services, such as an ambulance and medical team, if the senior requires them.
At a Glance
- Conducted by: Local authorities
- Goal: Safety and well-being assessment
- Benefits: Ensured safety, reduced worry for loved ones
- Frequency: As needed
Informal Welfare Checks
Informal welfare checks are checks from families, friends, and neighbors to reassure themselves that the older person is safe; they also provide social interaction for the older person, which can boost their mental health.
These checks can be held in person or over the phone.
At a Glance
- Conducted by: Friends, family members, neighbors
- Goals: Evaluate senior’s well-being
- Benefits: Peace of mind for families, social boost to seniors
- Frequency: Daily, weekly, or bi-weekly
Medicare Annual Wellness Visits
A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a Medicare-approved annual wellness visit by a healthcare professional to evaluate a senior’s daily needs and capabilities as well as make any adjustments to their care plan. It is a free preventive service for Medicare recipients.
Parts of these visits include:
- Safety and risk assessment, including risk of mental health issues like depression
- Functional ability assessment, including the ability to complete activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing
- Cognitive function assessment, including whether the person is at risk of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia
- Medical history review to evaluate risk factors
- Advance care planning for the future
- Referrals (if necessary)
Visits can identify gaps in treatment, evaluate risk factors for future health concerns, and result in a personalized senior care plan that helps the individual lead a healthier life.
At a Glance
- Conducted by: Medicare-approved healthcare professionals
- Goal: Risk assessment
- Benefits: Personalized care plans
- Frequency: Yearly
Wellness Checks for Elderly FAQs
What is a wellness exam for seniors?
A wellness exam is also known as a wellness test or wellness visit. It is a preventive care service that evaluates the overall well-being and health of an older adult.
A wellness exam is different from a wellness check or welfare check, although some may use these terms interchangeably. A welfare check involves law enforcement, geriatric care manager, or someone else conducting an in-person check-in with someone to confirm their safety. They are not preventive, but rather reactive; they are a response to concerns about someone’s well-being.
What is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a yearly preventive health check that is free for Medicare recipients.
A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is different from a doctor visit or physical exam. A Medicare Annual Wellness Visits is preventive care; it is designed to give older people personalized prevention plans, assess health risks, ensure safety, and note any care gaps. A doctor visit is focused on determining the patient’s current health status, addressing health concerns, and treating current illnesses, disabilities, or other health concerns.
How do you get a welfare check on a senior?
You can get a senior welfare check by contacting your local police department. Contact the non-emergency line unless you believe the senior is actively in crisis, in which case 911 is more appropriate.
Information you will need to request a check typically includes the senior’s name, where the senior lives, your contact information, and the date/time of the last contact you had with the senior.
You may accompany the police or other official if you believe that your presence would benefit the senior. If you are not attending the check, the police will call you back with their findings.
What resources are available for elderly people dealing with depression?
Mental health resources for seniors in the United States include:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline [988 or 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)]
- Eldercare Locator, which can help seniors connect with local resources like therapy and support groups
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
How often should wellness checks be conducted for elderly individuals?
The answer to this question depends on various factors, including the health of the older person in question, the individual’s age, and whether they live alone.
That said, if the older adult is generally healthy, they may only need a welfare checkup every week or every other week. Individuals with chronic conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) may need more regular check-ins, sometimes as often as every few days or even every day.
For wellness exams, most healthy seniors only need an annual visit with their healthcare provider. Individuals living with chronic disease like diabetes may need to schedule exams every 3 to 6 months.
What signs indicate an elderly person might need a wellness check?
There are physical symptoms, mental health warning signs, and other potential indicators that an older adult needs assistance or otherwise needs someone to check on them.
Signs that it might be time to complete a welfare check on older adults include:
- Social withdrawal
- Poor hygiene
- Weight changes
- Unexplained bruising or injuries
- Confusion or memory loss
- Mental health issues like depression or anxiety
- Cluttered, dirty home
- Behavioral changes
- Missing appointments
What happens after a welfare check?
What happens after a welfare check from law enforcement depends on what the check reveals. If the senior is in good health, the police may simply notify the original concerned caller. If the police find the older person is in need of emergency medical services, they will call for these services in addition to notifying the original caller. If the police suspect abuse or neglect, a criminal investigation may follow.
After a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, the doctor may recommend follow-ups with themselves or a specialist as well as give the senior a personalized prevention plan, which can include items like healthy meal plans, supplements, exercise routines, and more.
Either wellness check for the elderly may show that the older adult in question is not suited to live alone safely. If this is the case for you or an aging relative, making the move to a senior living community may be the right choice. If you or a loved one believe that senior living would benefit your family, contact Avista Senior Living. One of our compassionate team members will walk you through your options and help you decide if our community is the right fit.
Disclaimer: Each person’s situation is unique. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of medical, financial, tax or legal advice.