1.2 Describe ways in which the health of individuals can be monitored

This guide will help you answer 1.2 Describe ways in which the health of individuals can be monitored.

Monitoring health means checking and observing a person’s physical and mental wellbeing over time. This can involve collecting information, watching for changes, and acting when something seems wrong. Regular monitoring helps spot early signs of illness, supports ongoing care, and improves life quality.

Workers in health and social care have a duty to monitor health. This is true in all settings, such as care homes, supported living, or community support. The way health is monitored should suit the individual’s needs, age, condition, and wishes.

Observations

Observations are one of the most direct ways to monitor health. This means using your senses to watch for signs that someone’s health is improving or getting worse.

You might look for things like:

• Facial colour (pale, flushed, blue-tinged)
• Breathing pattern (fast, slow, noisy, laboured)
• Mobility (unsteady walk, stiffness, reluctance to move)
• Level of consciousness (alertness, confusion, drowsiness)
• Appetite (eating well or less than usual)
• Mood (irritable, withdrawn, tearful, upset)
• Body language and communication style

Workers should record what they see in a factual way. You must avoid guessing or making personal judgements.

Practical Example

A care worker notes that a resident who normally eats well leaves food untouched and seems tired. This could mean illness, infection, or emotional distress. By recording this change, the worker helps others follow up.

Measuring Vital Signs

Vital signs are basic checks giving useful information about health. They are often done with standard equipment. The main vital signs are:

• Temperature
• Pulse (heart rate)
• Respiration rate (breaths per minute)
• Blood pressure

Temperature

Measuring body temperature helps spot infections or underlying illness. A rise may signal fever or infection. A fall can be dangerous, especially in older people.

Pulse

Pulse tells us how fast the heart is beating. A “normal” resting rate is around 60–100 beats per minute for adults, but this can vary. A fast or slow pulse, or one that feels weak or irregular, may show a problem.

Respiration Rate

Counting the number of breaths in one minute checks if someone is breathing too quickly, which may signal pain, anxiety, illness, or lack of oxygen.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the artery walls. High readings may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Low readings may cause dizziness or fainting. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and written as two numbers (e.g., 120/80 mmHg).

Practical Example

A support worker is asked to take a service user’s blood pressure. The reading is much higher than normal for that person. The worker reports this to a nurse, who then reviews the person’s medication.

Monitoring Fluid Intake and Output

Some people are prone to dehydration (not enough fluid) or fluid overload (too much fluid). Keeping daily records of how much someone drinks, and the amount they pass as urine, helps spot issues early.

This monitoring might involve:

• Measuring every drink given and finished
• Noting the colour and amount of urine passed
• Watching for swelling (oedema) in feet and hands
• Recording vomiting or diarrhoea, which increases fluid loss

Practical Example

A resident with dementia finds it hard to drink enough. By keeping a chart, workers notice that the person is not reaching their daily fluid target. The care team can then encourage small drinks more often to prevent dehydration.

Monitoring Nutrition

Malnutrition can cause serious health problems, especially for older adults or people with chronic illness. Weight loss or gain should be recorded and acted on.

Ways to monitor nutrition include:

• Weighing the person monthly or weekly
• Using food diaries to note meals eaten and refused
• Watching for difficulties with chewing or swallowing (dysphagia)
• Recording signs of malnutrition like loose clothing, weakness, or dry skin

If worries about weight or diet arise, staff must report concerns for specialist advice.

Skin Condition Checks

The skin is a barrier, and broken or damaged skin can lead to infection. People who are frail or less mobile face higher risks of pressure ulcers (“bed sores”).

Monitoring skin involves:

• Checking vulnerable areas (heels, hips, elbows, lower back)
• Looking for redness, warmth, swelling, breaks, or blisters
• Keeping skin clean and dry
• Using special charts (like Waterlow Score) to assess risk

Staff should report skin changes immediately so action can be taken.

Monitoring Mental and Emotional Health

Health involves both body and mind. Emotional and mental state can change over time or in response to events. Workers should look for signs of distress, confusion, anxiety, or depression.

Common ways to monitor mental health:

• Noting changes in behaviour, memory, mood, or sleep
• Using simple screening tools, such as questionnaires or mood charts
• Recording new worries, sadness, aggression or withdrawal
• Noticing difficulties with communication, focus, or reasoning

If any concern is spotted, it should be shared with colleagues or specialist staff.

Monitoring Pain Levels

Pain may be obvious, but some people avoid speaking about it or show it in other ways. Children, older adults, or people with communication needs may not always be able to say they feel pain.

Ways to monitor pain:

• Asking direct questions about pain level and location
• Using pain scales (such as rating pain 1-10)
• Noting facial expressions, body language or moaning
• Watching for changes in movement or behaviour when touched or moved

Pain that is not managed can lead to more health problems or distress.

Using Technology and Devices

Technology supports regular health checks. These might include:

• Blood glucose monitors for diabetes
• Electronic blood pressure machines
• Personal alarms or wearable sensors for falls and movement
• Digital thermometers
• Smart scales

Data from these devices help assess patterns over time. Results can then be shared promptly with health professionals.

Laboratory and Diagnostic Monitoring

Some individuals need more complex checks. Health professionals will arrange tests such as:

• Blood or urine tests (to check infection, organ function, or medication levels)
• ECGs (electrocardiograms) to monitor heart health
• X-rays or scans (MRI, CT, ultrasound)

Workers do not usually perform these checks but support individuals before and after testing, and help record or report results.

Regular Health Reviews

Scheduled health reviews with doctors, nurses, or specialists provide a chance to check progress and pick up changes early. These may include medication reviews, physical check-ups, or specialist assessments for sight, hearing, or dental health.

Workers encourage attendance, help with transport and care, and support afterwards.

Self-Monitoring

Encouraging people to watch their own health supports independence. This includes:

• Teaching people how to check their own blood pressure or glucose
• Helping keep food or symptom diaries
• Supporting use of inhalers or other portable medical aids
• Encouraging people to ask for help if they notice changes

Self-monitoring works best when people receive education and support, with regular check-ins to talk about findings.

Communication and Record Keeping

Good record keeping links all the above methods. Workers must:

• Write down all observed or measured changes clearly and promptly
• Use standard forms or digital records where directed
• Share information at handovers, shift changes, or referrals
• Protect privacy at all times

Accurate records help prevent mistakes, ensure continuity of care, and support legal safeguarding duties.

Family and Carer Input

Family members or informal carers often notice changes first. Workers should listen to their concerns and share useful information with the wider team (with the person’s agreement).

Family input includes:

• Reporting new behaviours or symptoms
• Taking part in meal or fluid recording
• Helping with mobility or exercise monitoring

This partnership helps build a full picture of a person’s health.

Early Warning Scores

Some settings use early warning systems, such as the National Early Warning Score (NEWS2). Staff record regular measurements and add up a score. A high score means the person may be getting worse. This system helps staff respond quickly.

The NEWS2 checks:

• Breathing rate
• Oxygen level
• Temperature
• Blood pressure
• Heart rate
• Level of alertness

If scores worsen or reach set levels, urgent medical action is needed.

Consent for Monitoring

Consent means agreeing to something happening. Before any health measurement or test, the worker must check that the person is happy to take part. This should be done in plain language, and their choice must be respected. If someone cannot give informed consent, decisions are made in their best interests following legal rules.

Cultural and Individual Considerations

People’s preferences shape how monitoring is done. Diet, routine, modesty, language, and beliefs might affect what works best. Workers must respect these needs and adapt methods wherever possible.

Dignity and Privacy in Monitoring

Health checks can be personal. Always respect the person’s dignity and give privacy. Close doors, use screens, and cover the person’s body where possible. Always explain what you are doing and why.

Recognising Limitations

While workers play a big part in checking health, some tests or checks need to be done by a nurse, doctor, or other professional. Workers should know their role, work within it, and ask for help with anything they are not trained for.

Reporting Concerns

Any change or concern must be passed to a supervisor or a health professional. Prompt action can make a big difference, preventing problems from getting worse. Follow local policies and use clear, accurate language in handovers and documentation.

Final Thoughts

Monitoring health is an ongoing process using observation, measurement, and teamwork. Each method helps build a full picture of the person’s wellbeing and supports early action if needs change. By recording information accurately and acting on concerns, workers contribute to safer, more supportive care. Health monitoring upholds rights, supports independence, and helps people stay as well as possible.