Create a CAREGIVER contingency plan

Caregiving for a loved one is challenging, time-consuming and stressful. Fears of what will happen if something happens to you — the caregiver — can be overwhelming.

“Caregivers worry constantly about who will step in and take care of their loved one should they fall ill. With the pandemic, this concern is even greater,” said family caregiving expert Stephanie Erickson, founder of the Erickson Resource Group and a clinical social worker.

Having a contingency plan in place establishes that your loved one is cared for should anything happen to the main caregiver.

“A contingency plan ensures that in a time of crisis, the care recipient can have all of his or her needs met,” Erickson said. “It establishes who will step in to provide care such as making meals, administering medication, assisting with hygiene care, paying the bills or making sure doctor’s appointments are attended, to name a few.”

In a worst-case scenario, a contingency plan offers peace of mind.

“With a contingency plan in place, the caregiver can focus on his or her responsibilities and not become overwhelmed with the what-ifs that can take over,” she said.

The first step to making a contingency plan is considering all the critical information needed for someone to step into your shoes, whether that’s another family member, a paid service or emergency responders.

“A caregiver should first list all of the tasks and responsibilities that are done on a daily, weekly and monthly basis,” Erickson said.

Be sure to include important information such as:

• A list of medications and administration times

• Important documents such as power of attorney, insurance card and HIPAA authorization

• Contact information of doctors

• Access to the appointment calendar

• General nutrition guide (in case of allergies or other considerations)

• Details related to hygiene or personal care (including tips to make this task easier)

• Financial information (to keep up with bill paying)

• Things unique to the care recipient’s situation, such as activity suggestions or musical taste

A senior should be able to take part in the planning.

“An older adult should always be included in decisions related to his or her own wellbeing,” Erickson said. “This is a mistake families make too often: Excluding an older adult. Every person, regardless of age, has the right to express his or her opinion and have it included in any plan related to their own individual health or finances.”

Since there are many things to consider in a contingency plan, having another person look it over to make sure that no important aspects are missed is always a good idea, Erickson said.

Lastly, when choosing a replacement caregiver, the primary caregiver should find a person who has enough basic knowledge of the care recipient’s situation and an investment in their wellbeing.

“The caregiver should speak with the replacement caregiver before assuming they would want to take on the role, and then go over the plan, step by step, to answer any questions,” Erickson said. “The plan should be given to the replacement and any changes in the plan should be shared in real time.”

‘This is a mistake families make too often: Excluding an older adult. Every person, regardless of age, has the right to express his or her opinion and have it included in any plan related to their own individual health or finances.’ Stephanie Erickson