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Welfare Check Service by INS LifeGuard
INS LifeGuard • February 9, 2023
We all know how tough it can be to care for someone who is vulnerable and on their own. The worry of whether they are safe and well can cause anxiety and can even lead to sleepless nights.
At INS LifeGuard, we provide welfare-check-style reassurance through our nurse-monitored personal alarm services, including in-home medical alarms, mobile GPS pendants, smartwatches, and a personal alarm app.
What Is a Welfare Check and When Is It Needed?
In Australia, a welfare check is conducted when someone may be at risk or unable to look after their own safety. Police officers, community services, or other authorised professionals may visit a person’s home to confirm they are safe and receiving the support they need.
These checks are often requested by family members, neighbours, or healthcare professionals who are concerned about a person’s wellbeing.
A welfare check may be needed in situations such as:
- A person hasn’t been seen or heard from for an unusual period of time
- Signs of emotional distress or mental health concerns
- Living conditions that may be unsafe or deteriorating
- Concerns following a recent hospital discharge
- Changes in behaviour that suggest someone may need support
In some cases, a welfare check may also occur when a person is experiencing a mental health crisis or when family members are unable to reach them and want to confirm they are safe.
These checks provide an important safeguard, helping identify when someone may require assistance or medical care.
Welfare Checks Vs Ongoing Monitoring: What’s The Difference?
While traditional welfare checks are usually arranged in urgent or uncertain situations, some services now offer preventative monitoring and scheduled check-ins to support people who live independently.
INS LifeGuard offers welfare checks as part of our nurse-monitored personal alarm service, helping families and carers stay reassured about the health and wellbeing of the person they care about. These check-ins are arranged for people who are already using an INS LifeGuard personal alarm or monitoring service and form part of their ongoing safety plan.
During these scheduled checks, one of our qualified nurses may contact the person directly, or the check-in can be coordinated with a nominated family member or carer. This approach provides reassurance while allowing the person to maintain their independence at home.
Supporting A Loved One At Home?
If you’re looking for ongoing reassurance between welfare checks,
a monitored personal alarm can provide 24/7 nurse response, safety check-ins, and location support when needed.
Welfare Checks For Your Loved Ones
Care When You Can’t Be There
Our nurse welfare check service provides families with confidence that a qualified medical professional is monitoring the wellbeing of someone they care about.
For a small fee, our nurses can contact the person via voice call to assess their health and safety and notify you immediately if any concerns arise. If our nurses are unable to establish verbal contact, they will arrange for someone to visit the home to carry out a welfare check.
Unlike many services that rely on non-clinical call centres, INS LifeGuard provides 24/7 nurse-on-call personal alarms, allowing trained medical professionals to assess and triage alerts in real time.
This means faster responses, informed decisions, and greater peace of mind for families.
Who is this service ideal for?
Elderly Persons
The safe and wellness checks provided by INS LifeGuard are ideal for elderly seniors living alone. It allows our nurses or their family or carers to check-in and ensure their safety and wellbeing without having to contact them directly and intrude on their day-to-day lives.
People with Disabilities or Health Problems
Our service is also beneficial for people with disabilities or health conditions who may require ongoing monitoring and support. The regular checks will ensure that the person is safe and their needs are being met.
Lone Workers
Lone workers are required to carry out work activities without the direct and immediate support of supervisors or colleagues. Our welfare check services are designed to provide peace of mind for at-risk lone workers and their families, ensuring their safety against any risk and making support easily accessible.
Monitored personal alarms can support people at home and away, with options ranging from in-home alarms to GPS pendants, smartwatches, and app-based support.
Is a welfare check the same as a personal alarm?
No. A welfare check is typically a response when there’s concern someone may be at risk. A monitored personal alarm is an ongoing support option that lets someone request help or reassurance anytime.
Who responds if help is needed?
This depends on the provider. INS LifeGuard is a nurse-on-call personal alarm service, staffed 24/7 by qualified nurses and healthcare professionals who can clinically assess and triage alerts, not just take a message. To our knowledge, no other personal alarm provider in Australia is staffed by nurses.
Can a person request reassurance without an emergency?
Yes. With a monitored personal alarm service, a person can request reassurance or help any time.
What if the person doesn’t answer?
Most services follow an agreed escalation pathway (for example contacting nominated family/carers, and coordinating urgent help where appropriate).
Are there options for home and away?
Yes. Depending on needs, options may include in-home alarms, mobile GPS pendants, smartwatches, and app-based personal alarm support.
Ensure the safety of your loved ones with INS LifeGuard
Welfare checks are an important way to ensure that all is well with our loved ones, especially during times when life gets too busy and we can't be around that much.
With INS LifeGuard's welfare check service, you can rest assured that the person you care for is never without help. Whether you choose to have our nurses look in on them or you prefer to do the checks yourself, we can help you ensure their health and safety.
About
INS LifeGuard is the only 24/7 nurse on-call personal and medical monitoring in Australia. We provide monitoring technology for both in the home and on the go and can also monitor other provider's equipment. Our services are suitable for anyone wanting support to stay independent such as the elderly, those with medical conditions and disabilities plus enhancing safety and security for lone workers.
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