Deteriorating Conditions

Deteriorating conditions occur when a person’s health moves from their usual state to a worse physical, cognitive, or functional condition. Recognising early signs of deterioration such as changes in behaviour, health, or daily functioning is important because early action can prevent serious illness and improve safety and outcomes. Support workers must respond appropriately by monitoring changes, escalating concerns, and following organisational policies and procedures.

This course provides an overview of what deteriorating conditions are and why it is important to recognise when a person’s health may be declining. It explains how to identify signs of deterioration in people with disability and outlines how to respond safely by monitoring changes, escalating concerns, and following your organisation’s policies and procedures.