Observe and Respond to Changes

  • Author: L Kelly
  • Level: 3
  • Study time: 18 mins
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Lesson series
Observing and responding to changes in a person’s health or functional status is a critical responsibility for support workers. This course provides essential skills to identify changes, assess their impact, and follow proper reporting procedures. You’ll learn how to distinguish between normal variations and significant changes, understand different types of changes—including physical, cognitive, emotional, and environmental—and ensure that care plans reflect the person's evolving needs. By accurately documenting observations and escalating concerns appropriately, you play a key role in maintaining the wellbeing and safety of those in your care.
  • Video time: 18 mins
  • Quiz: 1
  • Assessment: 1
Lesson series

Why this course is important?


Open disclosure is a legal, ethical, and moral responsibility in healthcare. It builds trust, maintains professional integrity, and ensures people receiving care and their whānau are fully informed about any incidents affecting them. Failure to disclose can lead to severe consequences, including harm, legal action, and loss of credibility. This training provides essential skills for identifying adverse events, communicating them clearly, and documenting them correctly—ensuring high-quality, transparent care.
Meet the instructor

Leigh Kelly

Leigh Kelly is a New Zealand Registered Nurse who has been working with the elderly and disabled since 1974. Her ADN focused on young physically disabled.

She has been a Charge Nurse at Kenepuru and Greenlane Hospitals Continuing Care Wards, owned her own dementia specific rest home and worked and managed rest homes.

She also has vast experience as a RN in continuing care facilities.
Patrick Jones - Course author