In order to recognize a change that may indicate illness, what must the DSP be aware of?

Being aware of the individual’s normal state is crucial for a Direct Support Professional (DSP) when recognizing changes that may indicate illness. Each person has their own baseline of health, behavior, and routines. By understanding what is typical for the individual, the DSP can more effectively identify subtle changes or deviations from that norm that may signal a health issue.

This heightened awareness allows the DSP to monitor for variations in physical health, mood, or functioning that could indicate illness. For instance, if an individual is usually energetic and suddenly becomes lethargic, this change could be a sign of underlying health concerns that require further investigation or intervention.

While other factors, such as common illnesses in the community, signs of aging, and standard health metrics, can provide general context for health observations, they do not replace the importance of knowing the individual personally. Familiarity with the person’s regular condition is the foundation upon which all other observations are made.