Client Safety is paramount to Circle of Care.
Changes are part of the normal aging process, however declining vision, hearing, sense of smell and touch and cognitive functioning can increase the risk of injury. Volunteers have an important role to play in keeping clients safe at home. Use the ALC Checklist to identify noticeable changes in your client.
Acts – including behavior, cognition, mood
Looks – including appearance, physical deterioration, abuse
Copes – including dressing, eating, cleaning
If you observe any changes in your client please report them immediately to Volunteer Resources staff. Reporting client information is an important role in your volunteering with us. You will be responsible for reporting information on your client’s functioning, including physical, mental and social state as well as any changes in the client’s condition.
Physical
- Sudden change in weight
- Change in appetite
- Change in energy level (either lethargy or agitation)
- Change in sleep pattern
- Difficulty managing tasks that were previously managed, such as dressing and other day-to-day activities
- Changes in sight or hearing
- Changes in speech patterns (talking more or less, or not making sense)
- Skin changes such as sores, rashes, red spots, bruises
- Changes in ability to walk or get around
- Changes in physical stability
Mental
- Memory loss or confusion
- Inability to recognize familiar faces
- Unable to follow simple instructions
- Unusual mood changes (sad, depressed or angry)
Social
- Changes in family supports
- Death of a close friend or family member
- Refusal to attend activities that were previously attended on a regular basis (Remember to ask the client his/her reasons for refusing to attend before becoming concerned)
- Suddenly becomes suspicious or distrusting
Economic
- Inability or unwillingness to pay for essentials such as groceries, bills, etc.
- No or little food in the fridge