✨ Regular Medical and Dental Care
Regular medical and dental care is crucial for a healthy life. DSPs often play an important role in communicating to health professionals what someone might be experiencing.
✨ Watch for Changes
Some people may not be able to fully communicate how they feel, so DSPs must be diligent in observing, monitoring, and reporting changes. Changes that may indicate illness or a change in health status include:
A) Changes in daily patterns
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Decrease in appetite or difficulty digesting food
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Increased sleeping or inability to sleep
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Pain associated with illness or injury
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Medication changes and reactions
B) Changes in appearance
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Weight gain or loss
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Changes in skin or hair condition
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Watery, itchy, or red eyes
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Skin swelling or redness
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Hygiene deterioration (body odor, untidy clothing, bad breath)
C) Changes in bodily functions
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Breathing
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Balance or dizziness
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Pulse and blood pressure
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Bowel movements and bladder control
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Use of hands, arms, and legs
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Senses (seeing, hearing, touch, taste, smell)
D) Changes in behavior
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Mood changes (depressed, agitated, crying)
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Combative or argumentative behavior
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Withdrawal
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Anxiety or restlessness
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A noticeable change for that person (for example, energetic becomes tired, quiet becomes nonstop talking)
✅ What To Do When You Notice Changes
If you notice changes:
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Document it in the support log or progress notes and inform your supervisor using agency procedures
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Get perspective on the person’s history by speaking to those who know the person well
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When in doubt, and if symptoms persist, contact a doctor
💊 Medication and Side Effects
If you work for an agency licensed by DBHDS, you will complete required Medication Administration Procedures training before administering medications. Medication errors can cause serious harm, so procedures must be followed. DSPs should also become familiar with how medications affect the people they support, including side effects and possible negative drug reactions, and report concerns.