What are the signs of declining health?
When you’re with a person on a daily basis, it’s sometimes difficult to recognize how much they are declining. However, someone who visits less frequently may spot it immediately. The most obvious signs are:
- Difficulty with “activities of daily living,” such as walking, bathing, dressing, eating and toileting
- Loss of mental capacity
- Complaints of increased pain, breathing difficulty or other symptoms
- Frequent falls or accidents
- Frequent hospitalizations or trips to the ER
- Failure to bounce back after medical episodes
There also are other, more subtle signs that indicate decline, including:
- A loss of interest in favorite activities
- Preferring to be “left alone” or withdrawing from people
- Sleeping more, especially during the day
If you are concerned about someone whose health appears to be worsening—whether or not they have a definitive diagnosis—there are a variety of resources that palliative care experts may be able to address.
Learn more about the signs of declining health in serious or chronic illness.