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What it is: Deterioration is when a person’s state of health declines (worsens). They may:
Why it matters: Recognising that a person is deteriorating is important so that:
Careworkers often care for people on a daily basis and may notice signs of deterioration.
What I need to know: Many people suffer from chronic (long-term) conditions that are not always recognised as life-limiting (e.g., dementia).
The terminal or end phase of care for conditions like dementia and organ failure can extend over months or years. Signs of deterioration should be reported to nursing/supervisory staff.
Look out for and report to the nursing/supervisory staff if:
Ask nursing/supervisory staff about SPICT4ALL (371kb pdf), a tool to identify when a person’s health is declining.
Ask nursing/supervisory staff to show you the forms used to help determine deterioration.
What tool can be used to tell if someone’s health is deteriorating?
What changes should I report to nursing/supervisory staff?
See related palliAGED Practice Tip Sheets:
Case Conferences
End-of-Life Care Pathways
Frailty
For references and the latest version of all the Tip Sheets visit www.palliaged.com.au/Practice-Centre/For-Careworkers
CareSearch is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Updated July 2022