Someone looking in, so you know how they are.
Welfare checks in Totnes and across the South Hams. A friendly visit to see that someone is safe and well — company, a cup of tea, help with the everyday things, and word back to you afterwards.
Welfare checks
Our welfare checks provide friendly, reliable reassurance for people who may benefit from someone checking in on them at home. They can also give families peace of mind, particularly when they live further away, have work or family commitments, or are unable to visit as often as they would like.
A welfare check is not a personal care visit. It does not include helping someone to shower, dress, get up or go to bed. It is a supportive visit focused on checking how the person is, offering companionship and helping with everyday practical tasks.
Visits can be arranged regularly, or when additional reassurance is needed. The length and frequency of each visit will be agreed with the person and their family, taking into account their wishes, routines and individual circumstances.
What we can do during a welfare check
Depending on what has been agreed, a welfare check may include:
- Checking how the person is feeling
- Spending time talking and offering companionship
- Making a cup of tea or coffee
- Preparing a light meal or snack
- Encouraging regular food and drinks
- Reminding the person to take their medication
- Reminding them about appointments or planned activities
- Checking that they have everything they need
- Completing or helping with essential shopping
- Collecting prescriptions or other important items
- Helping to organise shopping lists and everyday tasks
- Checking that the home feels warm, comfortable and secure
- Noticing and reporting any concerns or changes in wellbeing
- Contacting an agreed family member or representative when appropriate
- Offering reassurance following an illness or a return home from hospital
- Encouraging the person to continue with their interests and usual routines
All support will be agreed in advance and provided within the boundaries of a welfare check service.
Medication reminders
During a welfare check we can remind or prompt someone to take their medication from its usual container, or from an appropriate pharmacy-prepared system.
Until our CQC registration has been confirmed, we cannot administer medication or take responsibility for selecting, preparing or physically giving medication to someone. If we notice that medication may have been missed, or if we have any concerns, we will follow the agreed plan and contact the appropriate family member or professional.
Shopping, meals and practical support
Sometimes it is the small everyday things that make the biggest difference. During an agreed welfare visit we can help with shopping, collect prescriptions, prepare a simple meal or make sure the person has food and drinks available.
We can also help with light practical tasks connected to the visit, such as checking a shopping list, putting groceries away or making sure commonly used items are within easy reach.
The purpose of the visit is to offer reassurance and practical support, rather than personal care or a full domestic cleaning service.
Reassurance for families
We understand how worrying it can be when you are unable to check on a loved one yourself. With the person's permission, we can provide an update following the visit so that agreed family members or representatives know how they are.
Updates might include confirmation that the visit has taken place, how the person appeared, whether they had eaten and had something to drink, and whether there were any concerns or items requiring attention.
The person's privacy, dignity and choices will always be respected. Information will only be shared with people they have authorised, unless we have a legal or safeguarding responsibility to share a concern.
If we have concerns
If we notice a change in someone's wellbeing, mood, mobility, home environment or usual behaviour, we will respond in line with their agreed support plan.
Depending on the situation this may include contacting a family member, representative, GP, community professional or emergency service. Any concerns and actions taken will be recorded clearly.
Welfare checks are not an emergency or clinical service. If someone requires urgent medical attention, the appropriate emergency service should always be contacted.
Support planned around the individual
Before welfare checks begin we will talk with the person and, where appropriate, their family or representative. This helps us understand what they would like from each visit, their usual routines, important contacts and how they prefer us to communicate with them. We will agree:
- How often visits will take place
- The preferred days and times
- What the person would like help with
- Who we may contact with updates
- What we should do if there is no answer
- How we should respond if we notice a concern
- Any relevant risks or important information
The arrangements can be reviewed if the person's circumstances or preferences change.
Friendly, familiar support
Where possible we aim to provide familiar members of staff, so that the person can build trust and feel comfortable during their visits. Our welfare checks are never intended to feel rushed or intrusive. We want each visit to offer friendly company, practical help and genuine reassurance.
CQC registration notice
We are currently progressing through the CQC registration process. In the meantime we can continue to provide our day centre, live-in companionship, respite and wellbeing services where regulated care is not required.
Until our registration is confirmed, we are unable to provide regulated activities, including personal care in England.
Talk it through with us.
If you are not sure whether we can help, please ring. We will always be open about what we can and cannot provide at the moment, and there is no obligation either way.