A doctor may ask if you feel safe at home so they can understand any issues you may be facing in your personal life. This can help them identify risk factors and provide you with resources and support options.
In order to provide quality care that’s tailored to your unique situation, a healthcare professional may ask you several personal questions, such as who lives with you and whether you feel safe at home.
This can help them make more informed decisions about your care and assess any concerns, such as if you do not have a safe place to live or sleep, have food insecurity, or are experiencing domestic abuse.
If you feel uncomfortable with any of the questions, you do not have to answer them. But being open and honest with a healthcare professional can help ensure you receive the right care.
A doctor may ask you if you feel safe at home in order to assess the following factors:
When asking about your safety at home, healthcare professionals may be screening for domestic abuse. They may have identified potential signs of abuse, such as a pattern of injury.
A doctor may also be concerned about possible abusive traits in a partner, caregiver, or parent who has attended an appointment with you. This might occur if the person doesn’t allow you to talk and answer questions on your behalf, decides health outcomes for you, or acts in an abusive manner.
The doctor may ask the person to leave the room so they can ask you if you feel safe in a private setting. If you choose to disclose any abuse to a doctor, they can provide you with support options and resources. They can also document this in your medical record to ensure you continue to get the right care.
Support options for domestic abuse
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800-799-7233 24 hours per day, 7 days per week for support.
- StrongHearts Native Helpline: Call 844-762-8483 or chat with an advocate on the website.
- National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 855-812-1001 or text START to 88788.
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 800-656-4673 or chat with an advocate on the website.
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: Call or text 800-422-4453 to speak with a counselor 24/7.
Feeling unsafe at home can also involve basic
This includes having access to:
- a safe place to live and sleep
- enough nutritious food that meets dietary needs
- systems to heat or cool down our homes, especially during extreme weather events
- safe water to drink
sanitation facilities to meet basic hygiene needs, such as washing your hands
A healthcare professional can talk with you about government programs that support people facing financial hardship, such as food assistance and help with utility bills.
Ensuring adequate and quality care after treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy, is vital for proper recovery.
A doctor may ask you if you feel safe at home to check whether you have enough support, such as assistance from loved ones, when completing daily activities. This is particularly important if you are waiting for stitches to heal and are required to avoid heavy lifting, bending, or stretching.
This can give the doctor an opportunity to speak with you about your mobility and identify any risks of falling. A doctor can recommend assistive devices, such as a walker or reacher. They can also connect you with home adaptation services to install modifications in your some, such as handrails and stair lifts.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms of a mental health condition such as depression, a doctor may ask if you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
While this question may feel difficult or scary to answer, having an honest conversation about how you are feeling can help provide you with practical and immediate support options. Remember, you are not alone.
If suicidal thoughts are surfacing
- Call a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
- If you feel you’re at immediate risk, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare professional. Consider calling 911 or your local emergency number if you can’t get in touch with them.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
Speaking openly with a doctor about any issues you may be facing at home can help ensure you receive quality and individualized care. This is also known as person-centered care, which involves focusing on an individual’s needs, values, and desired health outcomes.
Prioritizing this approach can help a healthcare professional identify any obstacles you may have to live a safe and healthy life.
It can also help to:
- ensure individuals feel in control of their well-being and decision making about their health, which
can lead to improved treatment outcomes - foster respect for an individual’s diverse needs and values
- establish more trust in healthcare professionals, which can lead to a higher quality of life
- prioritize empathy and good communication between individuals and healthcare professionals
What does it mean when you don’t feel safe at home?
Feeling unsafe at home can result from a variety of situations, such as experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. It can also be caused by living with someone who has a drug or alcohol addiction.
Why does my doctor always ask if I have fallen?
A doctor may ask if you have fallen to evaluate your health risks and identify any underlying health conditions.
Do I have the right to feel safe in my home?
Everyone has the right to feel safe at home. If you are living with someone, such as a partner or parent, who makes you feel unsafe, consider reaching out for professional support. If you are in immediate danger or need medical attention, call 911 immediately.
During a health appointment, a doctor may ask personal questions, such as who lives with you and whether you feel safe at home. This can help them make more informed decisions about your care and understand any obstacles you may be facing, such as food insecurity, domestic abuse, or suicidal ideation.
While these questions may feel uncomfortable or difficult to answer, having an open and honest conversation with a doctor can help ensure you receive the right care and support options to live a safe and healthy life.