Aging with RAZ

Preparing for medical emergencies (yours, not theirs)

We spend so much time and energy caring for our loved ones, we don’t always take care of ourselves. Life is full of the unexpected. Whether it is the need for surgery or passing suddenly, when you are caring for someone with dementia, you need to have a backup plan in place.

Let’s start with a contingency plan should you become ill or break a bone or need surgery. This is a one-page sheet you will fill out and give to family, friends, hired caregivers, your supervisor at work and trusted co-workers prior to any emergency.

At the top of the page, you will include your name and contact information and the name of your loved one. At the bottom of the page include the date it was created or updated. It will be updated when life changes happen for the contacts on your list. They may change jobs or move, or some other life event may prevent them from helping you.

Include in the list the names and phone numbers of:
➡️ Those who can provide substitute care for your loved one while you are incapacitated.
➡️ Those who can provide alternate transportation for your loved one.
➡️ Those who can provide transportation for you to return home.
➡️ Those who can substitute for you at work. Check with your supervisor or manager to make sure they agree with your choice(s).

Consider you may need a backup plan for the adult and/or child daycare center, your children’s school(s) or even your home. Think of any crisis scenarios that could happen with each of these places and give a copy in a brightly colored envelope to someone you trust at each location. Label the envelope so everyone knows at a glance what it is without opening it.

Keep a list of who has a copy of the document. Share this information with your extended family and friends who may be able to lend a helping hand from a distance, if needed.

Creating this plan and sharing it will help everyone involved know what to do and who to contact in the event of an emergency. It will give you some peace of mind.