Short answer: a baseline is a brief, factual description of how your parent usually thinks, communicates, moves and manages daily activities. It gives the care team context for understanding what is different today.
1. Baseline means “usual for this person”
Two older adults with the same diagnosis can function very differently. One person may normally hold a long conversation and walk independently. Another may use short phrases, need a walker and require help with meals. A diagnosis alone does not communicate that difference.
NIA guidance for hospital visits involving a person with dementia encourages caregivers to help staff understand the person's usual functioning and behavior. That context can help distinguish their usual dementia symptoms from a more serious change such as delirium. The same principle—describe usual function—can be useful for many aging parents, whether or not they have dementia.
2. Describe five everyday domains
Cognition
Write what your parent usually knows and can do, not a score you created yourself.
- OrientationDo they usually know familiar people, their location and the general date?
- MemoryDo they repeat questions, need reminders or manage appointments independently?
- Decision supportWho normally helps them understand or communicate health decisions?
Communication
- Usual speechFull sentences, short phrases, gestures, a device or another method.
- Preferred languageRecord interpreter or communication support needs.
- Best approachFor example, one question at a time or extra time to respond.
Mobility and daily function
- Walking and transfersIndependent, standby help or physical assistance; include the usual aid.
- FallsNote recent or recurrent falls if known, without explaining their cause yourself.
- Daily activitiesUsual help with dressing, toileting, eating, bathing or medications.
Sensory and comfort needs
Record glasses, hearing aids, dentures and other aids used every day. For someone with dementia, include a respectful note about routines, known sources of distress and approaches that usually help. NIA recommends a personal information sheet with normal routine, preferred name and nonverbal signs of pain or discomfort.
3. Replace labels with observable sentences
Short examples show the difference:
“Somewhat confused.”
“Usually recognizes close family and follows a one-step request; often unsure of the date.”
“Walks okay.”
“Usually walks room to room with a rolling walker and one person nearby.”
Avoid words such as “good,” “bad,” “normal for age” or “always difficult.” Use neutral descriptions that preserve your parent's dignity and can be read quickly.
4. Pair the baseline with what changed today
The baseline is most useful when it sits beside a current-event note. State what you saw, when you saw it and how it differs from usual. If another person observed the change, record their name and callback number.
This is not a diagnosis. It is a clean separation between your parent's usual function and the new observation that led you to seek care.
5. Review the baseline when “usual” changes
A baseline is not permanent. Review it after a meaningful change in cognition, mobility, communication, living support or everyday aids. Add a date and the person who confirmed the description. Keep earlier clinical records where they belong, but replace old family handoff copies so an outdated baseline is not presented as current.
Store it with the rest of the medical information for your aging parentand place the current version in the focused Emergency Room Pack.