What to Do When You Are Worried About Your
Senior Client You Are Caring For

As a caregiver, your primary responsibility is the health, well-being, and comfort of the senior clients you care for. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may find yourself worried about their physical, mental, or emotional condition. Whether you're noticing sudden changes in their health, mood, or behavior, it’s essential to know how to respond and take the right steps when concern arises. Here’s a guide on what to do when you are worried about your senior client and how you can address your concerns in a professional and compassionate way.

1. Assess the Situation Calmly and Thoroughly

When you’re worried about a senior client, the first thing you should do is take a moment to assess the situation. Stay calm and observe your client carefully. Take note of any unusual behaviors, physical changes, or signs of distress.

• Health symptoms: Are they showing any signs of illness, pain, or discomfort? This could include fever, shortness of breath, dizziness, new aches, or swelling.
• Cognitive changes: Has their memory deteriorated suddenly, or are they confused about time, place, or people? Significant confusion could indicate a medical issue like a urinary tract infection (UTI) or the progression of a cognitive disorder.
• Mood or behavior changes: If your client is suddenly withdrawing, displaying anxiety, or showing signs of depression, this can be a concern, especially if these are new behaviors.

Document your observations, as they’ll be useful when discussing the situation with medical professionals or family members.

2. Check for Immediate Medical Issues

Sometimes, a client’s condition can worsen rapidly. If you notice signs of a serious medical issue, like chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe confusion, or significant changes in mobility, don’t hesitate to act quickly.

• Call for help: If your client’s situation is urgent, call emergency services or a medical professional immediately. If you have a protocol in place (e.g., a specific number to call or an emergency plan), follow it carefully.
• Monitor vitals: If you’re trained, check your client’s vital signs, such as their temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. This can give you a better idea of whether their condition is worsening.

Don’t wait for symptoms to improve or go away on their own. Taking quick action could prevent further complications.

3. Reach Out to the Family or Healthcare Provider

If you are worried about your senior client’s health, it’s important to reach out to their family members or primary healthcare provider. They may have insight into any recent changes in your client’s condition or be able to provide guidance on what steps to take next.

• Be clear and detailed: When you contact the family or healthcare provider, be as specific as possible. Share what you’ve observed, any changes in behavior, and your concerns about their health.
• Follow up regularly: Even if it’s not an emergency, continuous communication with family members or healthcare providers is vital. Keep them updated on any progress or changes in your client’s health.

This collaborative approach ensures that everyone involved in the care process is aware of the situation and can help provide the necessary support.

4. Ensure Your Client’s Comfort

In times of worry, it’s important to maintain your client’s emotional and physical comfort. While you are addressing medical concerns, you must also offer reassurance, kindness, and support.

• Provide comfort: Sometimes, simply being present and offering a comforting word or touch can help alleviate anxiety. Reassure your client that you are there to help and that they are in good hands.
• Encourage rest and hydration: If your client seems fatigued or overwhelmed, encourage them to rest and stay hydrated. Ensure they have access to comfortable seating, blankets, or pillows as needed.

Your client may already feel vulnerable, so offering emotional and physical comfort helps reduce their stress and anxiety.

5. Document Everything

Documentation is key when you’re worried about your senior client’s well-being. Keeping accurate and detailed records will help you monitor changes in their condition over time and provide useful information to healthcare providers or family members.

• Record observations: Document any changes in behavior, mood, or physical health. Include the date, time, and specifics of what you observed.
• Log communication: Keep track of all communications with family members, doctors, and healthcare professionals. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and can help prevent any confusion or misunderstandings.
• Note any interventions: If you’ve taken any actions, such as administering medication, assisting with mobility, or contacting a doctor, record these interventions as well.

Comprehensive documentation protects both you and your client by providing a clear record of events and decisions made.

6. Follow the Care Plan and Protocols

Every senior client should have a personalized care plan that addresses their specific needs and requirements. When you are worried about your client, it’s essential to revisit the care plan to ensure you are following the recommended protocols and guidelines.

• Review the care plan: Double-check that you are providing the care your client needs, including managing medications, assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), and addressing any specific health conditions.
• Ensure medication compliance: If your client is on a medication regimen, make sure they’re taking their medications as prescribed. Missing doses or taking the wrong medication can lead to significant health issues.
• Consult with supervisors: If you work through an agency or as part of a team, consult with your supervisor or team lead to confirm that you are following the proper procedures and to discuss any changes in your client’s condition.

Following a clear care plan can help reduce confusion and ensure that your client is getting the best care possible.

7. Take Care of Yourself

Caring for a senior client can be physically and emotionally taxing, especially when you are worried about their health or safety. It's important to take care of yourself so you can provide the best care for your client.

• Take breaks: Make sure you are taking regular breaks to recharge. Caring for someone else is demanding, and burnout can occur if you don’t make time for yourself.
• Seek support: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, talk to a colleague, supervisor, or support group. Sharing your concerns can help you gain perspective and emotional support.
• Practice self-care: Engage in activities outside of caregiving that help you relax, whether it’s exercise, hobbies, or simply spending time with loved ones.

Remember, being a caregiver is an important and fulfilling role, but your well-being is crucial to providing the best care possible.

8. Trust Your Instincts

As a caregiver, you develop a strong bond with your client, and you know them better than anyone else. If something feels off or you sense that your client’s condition has changed in a concerning way, trust your instincts.

• Don’t ignore your concerns: Even if the issue seems minor, it’s always better to raise it with a healthcare professional or family member than to ignore it.
• Be proactive: If you feel that further action is needed, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Addressing concerns early can prevent serious issues down the line.

Your intuition is often a valuable tool, and when it comes to caregiving, it’s important to listen to it.

Conclusion

As a caregiver, worrying about your senior client is natural, especially when you notice changes in their health or behavior. However, taking a proactive, calm, and methodical approach can help address your concerns and ensure your client receives the best care. By assessing the situation, communicating with healthcare professionals, providing emotional comfort, and following the care plan, you can effectively handle your worries and ensure that your client is in good hands.

Remember, your ability to act with confidence, compassion, and professionalism is vital to your client’s well-being, and seeking support when needed is part of being the best caregiver you can be.

In Care,

Your Island Care Team