Health Awareness Guide: Common Conditions, Warning Signs & Family Safety Tips
At Care Now Private Duty Care, we know families often notice changes before anyone else does. A loved one may seem more tired than usual, complain of dizziness, have swelling in the feet, forget things more often, or simply “not seem like themselves.” These changes can feel overwhelming when you are not sure what they mean.
Our Health Awareness Guide was created to help families recognize common warning signs, understand basic health numbers, and know when it may be time to contact a doctor or call 911.
Care Now provides non-medical private duty care. We do not diagnose, treat, or replace medical professionals. However, our caregivers can help observe changes, document concerns, provide reminders, and support families with daily care needs.
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or replace advice from a licensed healthcare provider. If symptoms are sudden, severe, or life-threatening, call 911 immediately.
Big Topic Titles:
Understanding Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. It is written as two numbers, such as 120/80 mmHg.
The top number is called the systolic pressure. This measures the pressure when the heart beats.
The bottom number is called the diastolic pressure. This measures the pressure when the heart rests between beats.
For example, a reading of 120/80 means the heart is pushing blood at 120 when it beats and 80 when it rests.
Adult Blood Pressure Ranges
Normal Blood Pressure:
Less than 120/80 mmHg
Elevated Blood Pressure:
120–129 for the top number and less than 80 for the bottom number
High Blood Pressure — Stage 1:
130–139 for the top number or 80–89 for the bottom number
High Blood Pressure — Stage 2:
140 or higher for the top number or 90 or higher for the bottom number
Very High Blood Pressure:
Higher than 180 for the top number and/or higher than 120 for the bottom number
A reading higher than 180/120 should be taken seriously. If the person also has chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, confusion, weakness, vision changes, or trouble speaking, call 911 immediately.
Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure is often considered around 90/60 mmHg or lower, but this can vary from person to person. Some people naturally have lower blood pressure and feel fine.
A reading such as 80/40 mmHg can be very low, especially if the person is dizzy, weak, confused, faint, cold, clammy, or has trouble staying alert.
Possible Signs of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure often has no symptoms. In severe cases, warning signs may include severe headache, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, confusion, nosebleeds, vision changes, or dizziness.
Possible Signs of Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, blurred vision, weakness, fatigue, confusion, nausea, or cold and clammy skin.
Why Blood Pressure Matters
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, heart attack, kidney problems, vision problems, and poor circulation.
This is why regular blood pressure checks are important, especially for seniors, adults with diabetes, people with heart conditions, and anyone with a family history of high blood pressure.
Family Tip
Keep a blood pressure log. Write down the date, time, blood pressure reading, pulse, symptoms, medication timing, meals, pain level, stress level, and activity before the reading.
This information can help the doctor better understand what may be happening.
Blood Sugar and Diabetes Awareness
Blood sugar, also called glucose, is the amount of sugar in the blood. The body uses glucose for energy. Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into the cells.
Type 2 diabetes happens when the body cannot use insulin effectively, causing blood sugar levels to become too high.
Common Signs of High Blood Sugar
Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Increased hunger
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow-healing cuts or wounds
Frequent infections
Unexplained weight loss
Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
Possible Signs of Low Blood Sugar
Shakiness
Sweating
Fast heartbeat
Hunger
Weakness
Dizziness
Confusion
Irritability
Headache
Feeling nervous or anxious
Fainting or seizure in severe cases
Low blood sugar can become serious quickly, especially for people who take insulin or certain diabetes medications.
What Is A1C?
A1C is a blood test that gives an average of a person’s blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months.
A general A1C guide is:
Below 5.7%: usually considered normal
5.7% to 6.4%: usually considered prediabetes
6.5% or higher: may indicate diabetes
Only a licensed healthcare provider can diagnose diabetes or prediabetes.
Why Diabetes Matters
Over time, uncontrolled diabetes can affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, feet, skin, and circulation.
Families should pay attention to changes such as increased thirst, frequent urination, confusion, new wounds, slow healing, foot pain, numbness, or changes in vision.
Family Tip
For someone with diabetes, keep a daily health note that includes meals, water intake, blood sugar readings if checked, medication reminders, energy level, mood, wounds, foot concerns, and any unusual symptoms.
Stroke Warning Signs
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. A stroke is a medical emergency.
The faster a person gets help, the better the chance of treatment and recovery.
Remember FAST
F — Face:
Is one side of the face drooping?
A — Arms:
Is one arm weak or hard to raise?
S — Speech:
Is speech slurred, confused, or hard to understand?
T — Time:
Call 911 immediately.
Additional Stroke Warning Signs
Sudden confusion
Sudden trouble speaking
Sudden trouble understanding speech
Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg
Sudden vision changes
Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
Sudden trouble walking
Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Even if symptoms go away, the person still needs medical attention. Temporary stroke-like symptoms may be a warning sign of a future stroke.
Family Tip
Do not wait to see if stroke symptoms improve. Do not drive the person yourself if emergency care is needed. Call 911.
Write down the time symptoms started, because this information may help emergency medical staff.
Cholesterol and Heart Health
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in the blood. The body needs some cholesterol, but too much can build up in the arteries.
High cholesterol usually has no symptoms. Many people only find out through blood work.
Why High Cholesterol Matters
Over time, high cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, poor circulation, and blocked arteries.
Possible Risk Factors
Family history
High-fat or highly processed diet
Smoking
Lack of physical activity
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Age
Excess weight
Helpful Lifestyle Habits
Eat more fruits and vegetables
Choose lean proteins
Drink water
Reduce fried and processed foods
Move the body regularly, as approved by a doctor
Keep medical checkups
Take medications as prescribed
Family Tip
Because high cholesterol is often silent, routine doctor visits and blood work are important.
Swelling in the Feet, Ankles, or Legs
Swelling happens when fluid builds up in the tissues. It may appear in the feet, ankles, legs, hands, or other areas.
Mild swelling may happen after standing or sitting too long, but swelling can also be a sign of a more serious health concern.
Common Signs
Puffy feet or ankles
Tight or shiny skin
Shoes or socks feeling too tight
Skin that leaves a dent when pressed
Heaviness in the legs
Discomfort when walking
Possible Causes
Sitting too long
Standing too long
High salt intake
Injury
Pregnancy
Medication side effects
Poor circulation
Heart concerns
Kidney concerns
Liver concerns
Blood clot
When Swelling Needs Urgent Attention
Seek medical help right away if swelling comes with chest pain, trouble breathing, shortness of breath while lying down, fainting, dizziness, coughing blood, sudden swelling in one leg, or pain, redness, or warmth in one leg.
Family Tip
Take note of whether swelling is in one leg or both legs, when it started, whether it improves with elevation, whether there is pain, and whether breathing has changed.
Headaches: Mild vs. Serious Warning Signs
Headaches are common and can happen for many reasons. Some headaches are mild and related to stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, or tension. Other headaches may be a warning sign of something serious.
Common Causes of Headaches
Stress
Dehydration
Poor sleep
Eye strain
Muscle tension
Poor posture
Sinus pressure
Certain foods or drinks
Medication changes
High blood pressure
Illness or infection
Common Symptoms
Dull ache
Pressure
Throbbing pain
Pain around the forehead
Pain behind the eyes
Tight band feeling around the head
Neck or shoulder tension
Serious Headache Warning Signs
Seek medical care right away if the headache is sudden and severe, the worst headache the person has ever had, after a fall or head injury, or comes with confusion, fever and stiff neck, vision changes, weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Family Tip
Write down when the headache started, pain level, location of pain, blood pressure if checked, recent falls, medications taken, food and water intake, and any other symptoms.
Sciatica and Nerve Pain
Sciatica is pain that travels along the sciatic nerve. It often starts in the lower back and moves through the hip, buttock, and down one leg.
Nerve pain can feel different from muscle pain. It may feel sharp, burning, tingling, numb, or electric.
Common Signs of Sciatica
Pain in the lower back
Pain down one leg
Numbness or tingling
Burning pain
Pain that worsens when sitting
Weakness in the leg or foot
Difficulty standing or walking
Possible Causes
Herniated disc
Spinal narrowing
Injury
Pressure on the nerve
Poor posture
Muscle inflammation
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact a healthcare provider if pain is severe, getting worse, lasts for several days, causes weakness, affects walking, or does not improve.
Seek emergency help if back or leg pain comes with loss of bladder control, loss of bowel control, numbness in the groin area, sudden weakness, or symptoms after a serious fall or injury.
Family Tip
Track where the pain starts, where it travels, what makes it worse, what helps, whether there is numbness, and whether walking or balance has changed.
Nerve Damage and Tingling
Nerve damage can affect how the body feels touch, pain, temperature, and movement. It often affects the hands, feet, legs, or arms.
People with diabetes may be at higher risk for nerve damage, especially in the feet.
Common Signs
Tingling
Numbness
Burning pain
Shooting pain
Muscle weakness
Balance problems
Sensitivity to touch
Feeling like socks or gloves are on when they are not
Foot wounds or sores
Difficulty feeling hot or cold
Possible Causes
Diabetes
Injury
Vitamin deficiency
Poor circulation
Autoimmune conditions
Infections
Medication side effects
Back or spine problems
Why Families Should Pay Attention
Numbness can make it harder to feel injuries, burns, blisters, or cuts. This is especially important for people with diabetes or poor circulation.
Family Tip
Check feet regularly for redness, swelling, cuts, sores, blisters, color changes, or temperature changes. Report concerns to a healthcare provider.
Breathing Changes and Shortness of Breath
Breathing changes should always be taken seriously, especially in seniors or anyone with heart, lung, or circulation concerns.
Possible Warning Signs
Shortness of breath
Breathing faster than usual
Wheezing
Chest tightness
Blue lips or fingertips
Confusion
Extreme fatigue
Trouble lying flat
Coughing that worsens
Swelling with breathing problems
Possible Causes
Asthma
COPD
Heart problems
Pneumonia
Anxiety
Blood clot
Infection
Medication side effects
When to Call 911
Call 911 if the person has chest pain, severe shortness of breath, blue lips, confusion, fainting, or trouble speaking because they cannot catch their breath.
Family Tip
Notice whether breathing changes happen during activity, while resting, while lying down, or after eating. Write down any cough, fever, swelling, chest pain, or new confusion.
Falls and Balance Concerns
Falls can be serious, especially for seniors or adults with weakness, dizziness, vision changes, or medication changes.
Possible Fall Risk Signs
Unsteady walking
Holding onto furniture
Dizziness
Weakness
Poor vision
Confusion
Pain while walking
Loose rugs or clutter
Poor lighting
Recent medication changes
After a Fall, Watch For
Head pain
Confusion
Dizziness
Vomiting
Sleepiness
Hip pain
Back pain
Trouble walking
Bruising
Swelling
Bleeding
New weakness
When to Seek Help
Call 911 if the person hits their head and becomes confused, loses consciousness, has severe pain, cannot stand, has trouble breathing, or has signs of stroke.
Family Tip
Do not rush the person to stand after a fall. Check for pain, bleeding, confusion, breathing problems, and injury first.
Arthritis Awareness
Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints and the tissues around the joints. It can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty moving. Arthritis is common in seniors, but it can also affect younger adults and children.
There are different types of arthritis. Two common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is often related to wear and tear on the joints over time. It commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which means the immune system attacks the joints. It may affect joints on both sides of the body and may also cause fatigue, weakness, or fever.
Common Signs
Joint pain
Stiffness
Swelling around the joint
Warmth or redness around the joint
Trouble walking or standing
Trouble using the hands or fingers
Less range of motion
Weakness
Fatigue
Pain that gets worse with activity
Morning stiffness
Possible Causes or Risk Factors
Age
Family history
Past joint injury
Repeated stress on a joint
Excess weight
Autoimmune conditions
Inflammation
Infection in rare cases
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Contact a healthcare provider if joint pain or stiffness does not go away, gets worse, causes swelling, limits walking, affects daily activities, or happens with redness, warmth, fever, or sudden weakness.
Family Tip
Families can help by noticing when pain is worse, which joints are affected, whether swelling or warmth is present, whether walking has changed, and whether the person is avoiding normal activities because of pain.
Caregivers can support comfort and safety by helping with daily routines, encouraging safe movement as approved by the healthcare provider, reducing fall risks, and documenting changes for the family.
Dehydration Awareness
Dehydration happens when the body does not have enough fluids. Seniors, children, and people with illness may become dehydrated more easily.
Possible Signs
Dry mouth
Dark urine
Urinating less often
Dizziness
Weakness
Headache
Confusion
Fast heartbeat
Dry skin
Fatigue
Possible Causes
Not drinking enough water
Fever
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Sweating
Certain medications
Hot weather
Poor appetite
When to Seek Medical Help
Seek help if dehydration comes with confusion, fainting, very little urination, fast heartbeat, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down.
Family Tip
Encourage small amounts of water throughout the day unless the person has fluid restrictions from a doctor.
Confusion, Memory Changes, and Sudden Behavior Changes
Some memory changes happen slowly over time. Sudden confusion is different and should be taken seriously.
Possible Signs
New confusion
Trouble recognizing familiar people
Sudden agitation
Unusual sleepiness
Hallucinations
Personality changes
Trouble following conversation
Sudden wandering
New trouble with daily tasks
Possible Causes
Medication side effects
Infection
Dehydration
Low blood sugar
High blood sugar
Stroke
Poor sleep
Pain
Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
Changes in routine
When It May Be Urgent
Sudden confusion can be a medical emergency, especially if it comes with weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, fever, fall, chest pain, breathing problems, or very high or very low blood sugar.
Family Tip
Write down when the change started, what changed, recent medications, food and fluid intake, sleep changes, falls, fever, pain, and any signs of infection.
Medication Safety Reminders
Many adults and seniors take more than one medication. Medication mix-ups can cause dizziness, confusion, falls, blood pressure changes, sleepiness, or other serious problems.
Care Now caregivers may provide reminders as allowed, but we do not prescribe, change, or give medical advice about medications.
Medication Safety Tips for Families
Keep an updated medication list
Include prescriptions, vitamins, and supplements
Use one pharmacy when possible
Ask the doctor or pharmacist about side effects
Never stop medication without medical guidance
Use a pill organizer if appropriate
Watch for dizziness, confusion, weakness, or unusual sleepiness
Family Tip
Bring the medication list to doctor visits and emergency appointments.
Skin Changes, Wounds, and Pressure Areas
Skin changes can be important, especially for people who sit or lie down for long periods, have diabetes, have poor circulation, or have limited mobility.
Warning Signs
Redness that does not fade
Open sores
Blisters
Drainage
Bad odor
Swelling
Warmth
Pain
Skin tears
Darkened areas
Pressure marks
Common Pressure Areas
Tailbone
Heels
Hips
Elbows
Shoulders
Back of the head
Ankles
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Report wounds, open skin, drainage, worsening redness, swelling, warmth, fever, odor, or pain.
Family Tip
Repositioning, clean dry skin, good nutrition, hydration, and regular skin checks can help reduce risk. Follow all healthcare provider instructions for wound care.
When to Call the Doctor vs. When to Call 911
Call the Doctor If:
Symptoms are new but not severe
Blood pressure is often higher or lower than usual
Blood sugar readings are outside the provider’s recommended range
Swelling is new or worsening
Pain is not improving
A wound is not healing
There are medication side effects
There is a change in appetite, sleep, mood, or energy
There are concerns about memory or confusion
Call 911 If:
Chest pain
Trouble breathing
Sudden weakness on one side
Face drooping
Trouble speaking
Sudden confusion
Sudden severe headache
Fainting or loss of consciousness
Seizure
Blood pressure higher than 180/120 with serious symptoms
Severe low blood sugar symptoms
Possible stroke symptoms
Sudden swelling in one leg with pain, redness, or warmth
Serious fall or head injury
Family Symptom Checklist
Use this checklist to keep track of changes and share them with a healthcare provider.
Date:
Time:
Main concern:
Blood pressure reading:
Pulse:
Blood sugar reading, if applicable:
Temperature:
Pain level from 0 to 10:
Location of pain:
Symptoms noticed:
What was the person doing before symptoms started?
Did symptoms come on suddenly or slowly?
Any recent fall or injury?
Any recent medication changes?
Food and fluid intake today:
Mood or behavior changes:
Sleep changes:
Swelling, wounds, or skin changes:
Who was notified?
Doctor contacted:
Emergency care needed:
Notes:
How Care Now Can Support Families
Care Now Private Duty Care provides non-medical support to help families feel less overwhelmed. Our caregivers can assist with daily routines, companionship, personal care support, mobility and safety reminders, meal support, light housekeeping, respite care, and observation of daily changes.
Our caregivers do not diagnose medical conditions or provide medical treatment. However, we can help families notice changes, document concerns, encourage hydration and meals, provide reminders, and support communication with family members and healthcare providers.
A caring eye, a written note, and early communication can make a meaningful difference.