Introduction

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INTRODUCTION

When you care for someone who is either ill, injured, disabled or has recently had surgery, it is very important to watch them carefully. You become the eyes and ears for the person. When you observe a person’s general health, you learn to notice the whole person, including their general appearance and their behavior.

Always pay attention to the person you care for.

Whenever you are with the person, watch what they are doing and how they move about and interact. Get to know their normal body features and characteristics. What are your first thoughts as you observe the person?

Does the person seem alert when they look at you and respond to what you have said to them?
Does the person look ill, rise more slowly from a chair or walk with shoulders more slumped than usual?
Does the person lay perfectly still in bed or turn often and hold a part of their body?
When the person grasps your hand, does it feel wet and clammy?
Have their eating or sleeping habits changed?
Are they less interested in activities they have enjoyed in the past?

Recognize Change

It is important for you to notice when the person you care for develops problems or when he or she seems different than the way they were. For example, changes in a person’s normal sleep pattern and eating habits or having a fall are often signs of a developing problem. Some changes that you notice will need to be watched over time. Other changes will require you to call the person’s doctor.

This lesson will prepare you to better care for a person in the home by learning how and what to observe.

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Introduction

Recognize Change

Video: Observing General Health