How to Recognize Health Deterioration in Care

Spotting early warning signs of declining health can prevent serious medical emergencies. As a carer, your observations and quick response directly impact patient safety and outcomes.

People with learning disabilities face particular vulnerability as they often depend on others to identify when they're unwell. Early recognition saves lives.

Key Warning Signs to Monitor

Consciousness and Mental State

• Increased anxiety or unusual agitation

• Confusion or disorientation

• Restlessness or inability to settle

• Reduced responsiveness to usual stimuli

Heart and Circulation Changes

• Irregular pulse or heart rate changes

• Dizziness or feeling faint

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Excessive sweating without obvious cause

Temperature Fluctuations

• High fever - above 37.5°C

• Low temperature - 35°C or below

• Chills or shivering without environmental cause

Breathing Difficulties

• Labored breathing requiring extra effort

• Unusual breathing sounds - wheezing, rattling, silence

• Flared nostrils during breathing

• Persistent coughing or breathlessness

Physical Appearance Changes

• Skin mottling or unusual patterns

• Pallor or unusually pale complexion

• Blue-tinged lips or fingertips

• New rashes or skin irritations

Digestive and Urinary Changes

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea

• Distended abdomen or unusual swelling

• Reduced urine output or complete absence

• Changed urine color - dark, cloudy, or bloody

• Strong-smelling urine indicating possible infection

Prevention and Risk Reduction

Know Your Care Recipients

• Understand baseline health - what's normal for each individual

• Learn their communication style - how they express discomfort

• Recognize their usual behavior patterns and daily routines

Trust Your Instincts

• Act on concerns even when unsure

• Listen to gut feelings about changes you observe

• Take family concerns seriously - they know the person best

Use Holistic Assessment

• Look at the whole person rather than isolated symptoms

• Record vital signs but don't rely solely on measurements

• Consider multiple factors together for complete picture

Communicate Effectively

• Report concerns promptly to appropriate healthcare professionals

• Provide specific details about changes observed

• Document timing of symptom onset and progression

• Share relevant background information about the individual

When to Seek Help

Immediate medical attention needed for:

• Severe breathing difficulties

• Loss of consciousness

• Chest pain

• Signs of stroke or seizure

• Uncontrolled bleeding

Contact healthcare professionals for:

• Persistent fever or very low temperature

• Significant behavior changes

• Multiple symptoms appearing together

• Any concerns about deterioration