Are you the primary or sole caregiver for a loved one? If so, then you must have a backup plan, in the event that you are unable or unavailable to serve as caregiver. It is a big responsibility to have someone dependent on you for his or her care and well-being. The needs of the dependent individual continue 24/7, without regard for emergencies, holidays, sick days, or days off. Nevertheless, these types of disruptions always occur, and sometimes without warning.

Your back up plan should include at least one substitute caregiver or a reliable source to supply one, such as a home health care agency. You also need to know whom you can call in an emergency or on short notice. Obviously, you need to discuss these arrangements in advance. The substitute caregiver or agency will need to know how to take care of your loved one, until you can resume as caregiver.

Create a written back up plan with pertinent information about your loved one.

Write up a daily routine that the substitute can follow. Make a list of medications and schedules, if your loved one needs assistance with this. Write a list of the important contacts and telephone numbers, such as doctors, family members, pharmacy, and hospital preference. If applicable, include a copy of the patient’s living will.

You can edit these master lists as time goes on. Keep a copy handy to give to the substitute caregiver, as needed.

Have an additional week’s worth of medical supplies and medications on hand. If an emergency arises that removes you as the caregiver, at least you will have backup supplies. This will allow the substitute caregiver time to focus on the patient care, rather than immediately being diverted on a trip to the pharmacy. In addition, the substitute caregiver can simply buy more of the same supplies, rather than trying to guess what you normally would purchase.

Leave petty cash for the substitute or designate a family member to take care of purchases in your absence. Allow money for groceries, toiletries, and supplies. Include “spending money” for the patient, if he or she is used to going out for meals or activities.

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