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.