Caregiver Guide: Recognizing early health warning signs in older adults

Many emergency room visits begin with symptoms that seemed minor at first. Things like confusion, dehydration, medication side effects and the gradual worsening of a chronic condition may feel common, but without the right care can easily land older adults in the ER. As a caregiver, paying attention to these concerns may help identify problems before they become emergencies.

Here is what to look for and why it matters:

1. Infections – Infections such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and pneumonia can affect older adults differently than younger people.

Signs of infection in older adults: The first sign of an infection isn't always a fever. You may notice increased confusion, fatigue, reduced appetite, or changes in behavior.

When infections are caught early, they are often much easier to treat and manage.[AT1]

2. Medication Side Effects or Interactions – If someone you care about recently started a new medication and doesn't seem quite like themselves, it's worth paying attention.

Signs of medication side effects in older adults: Older adults often take multiple medications, which increases the possibility of side effects or interactions. New dizziness, fatigue, confusion, or balance issues may warrant a conversation with a healthcare provider.

3. Dehydration – Dehydration can develop gradually, especially during warmer months or after an illness. Did you know that older adults become less thirsty as they age? This increases their risk of dehydration in hot seasons

Signs of dehydration in older adults: You might notice fatigue, dizziness, weakness, dry mouth, or darker urine. Addressing dehydration early can help prevent more serious complications.

4. Falls – Not every fall results in a serious injury, but every fall deserves attention.

Signs to watch for after a fall: An older adult may initially feel fine after a fall and only notice pain, bruising, swelling, or mobility issues later. If a fall occurs, monitor closely and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop or worsen.

5. Worsening Chronic Conditions – Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and COPD often change gradually.

Signs of a worsening chronic condition in older adults: Increased shortness of breath, swelling, fatigue, or changes in blood sugar levels may indicate that additional support or treatment is needed. Addressing these changes early can help prevent future complications.

Across many of these conditions, caregivers should watch for changes in confusion, energy levels, appetite, mobility, urination, pain, or breathing.

When should I call a doctor instead of going to the emergency room?

When someone you care about doesn't seem quite like themselves, it helps to pause and gather information before deciding what to do next.

Start by asking yourself:

• What symptoms am I noticing?
• When did they begin?
• Are they improving or worsening?
• Is this unusual for this person?

If symptoms are new but not severe, a medication change may be contributing, or something simply feels different than normal; call the primary care team for guidance.

How Value-Based Primary Care Helps Prevent Emergencies

One of the most effective ways to help reduce the risk of a future emergency is partnering with a primary care team that focuses on prevention, early intervention, and long-term health management.

Consider an older adult who has been experiencing occasional dizziness for several weeks. If the dizziness suddenly becomes severe, the emergency room can evaluate urgent concerns and stabilize the situation.

However, a primary care team may be better positioned to investigate why the dizziness is happening in the first place. They can review medications, monitor ongoing symptoms, order additional testing, and identify underlying causes.

That's a key difference with value-based care.

Value-based care focuses on improving health outcomes through prevention, coordinated care, and ongoing management rather than simply treating problems after they become urgent.

The value-based care approach often includes:

• Longer appointments that allow providers to listen carefully to patients and caregivers
• Regular monitoring of chronic conditions
• Medication reviews that help identify risks early
• Preventive screenings and lab work
• Care teams that know the patient's medical history and usual health patterns

For people helping older adults, this can provide valuable support and additional peace of mind. Care teams who know a patient well are often better equipped to recognize changes early and help reduce the risk of a future emergency.

A Supportive Partner in Your Corner

If you're helping an older adult manage their health, knowing when to call 911, when to contact a provider, and when to schedule an appointment can make healthcare decisions feel less overwhelming.

By building long-term relationships with patients, ArchWell Health providers are often able to identify changes earlier and help guide families toward the most appropriate level of care.