Care process
Change in condition
A change in condition is a new or worsening sign in a person's health, behavior or abilities. Examples include new confusion, a fall, less eating, new pain or more sleepiness. Caregivers and family should report it quickly to the right person.
Why it matters for your family
Small changes can signal a bigger problem. Sudden confusion can point to an infection or other medical cause, and a doctor should check it. A caregiver should note what changed, when and what happened before. Families should know who to call. For an emergency, call 911. For other concerns, call the doctor. A common mistake is to wait to see if it passes. Another is to blame normal aging without checking. Non-medical caregivers do not diagnose or treat. They report what they see. Write it in the care log and update the care plan after the doctor visit. Share the change with the whole care team.
Source: nia.nih.gov
Read more: Warning Signs Your Parents Need Help at Home
Related terms
- Care logA care log is a running record of care that has been given, such as meals, medicine reminders, outings, falls and mood.
- Daily care notesDaily care notes are short written updates a caregiver leaves after each shift.
- Care plan reviewA care plan review is a scheduled check of whether a care plan still fits a person's needs.
- Care teamA care team is the group of people who work together to support a person.
- Fall riskFall risk is the chance that a person will fall and be hurt.
- SundowningSundowning is increased confusion, anxiety, or agitation that some people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia feel from late afternoon through night.
