Vital signs are measurements of the body’s most important functions. Caregivers should learn how to monitor vital signs to detect important changes in their loved one’s condition.
Measure blood pressure to monitor heart health and manage conditions like hypertension. For older adults, a healthy blood pressure is typically around 120/80 mmHg. Use a reliable digital blood pressure monitor and follow the instructions carefully.
Monitor heart rate to assess cardiovascular health and the detect abnormalities. Normal resting heart rates vary by age and fitness level, but typically range from 60-100 beats per minute for adults.
Changes in respiratory rate can indicate respiratory or other health issues, so it’s important to observe and count breaths per minute. The normal range for adults is 12-20 breaths per minute.
Check body temperature to spot fever or infection, as ongoing changes from the normal range may need medical attention. Normal body temperature is about 98.6°F, but for some people it may be a little lower or higher.
