Deteriorating Conditions

Deteriorating conditions occur when a person living with disability’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 long-term health outcomes for a person living with disability. Support workers must respond appropriately by monitoring changes, escalating concerns and following organisational policies and procedures.

This Training Module 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.