Escalation must follow the patient's orders and agency policy; the following are representative thresholds.
🚩 Red flags — escalate
A fall with injury — assess and escalate per severity and the agency protocol (detail in Safety).
An acute loss of function — a new inability to bear weight, transfer, or move a limb — urgent evaluation for an acute event such as stroke or fracture.
A new focal functional deficit suggesting an acute neurologic or musculoskeletal event — urgent or emergency evaluation per severity.
An unsafe situation in which the patient cannot meet basic needs and no caregiver is available — urgent coordination of support.
A new inability to manage essential medications safely — provider notification and a coordinated plan.
Severe deconditioning or weakness that makes any transfer unsafe — provider notification and a therapy plan.
