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As a caregiver, you can never be too prepared for any type of situation. In an emergency, you’ll likely have to think quickly and relay vital information to others when you’re already under tremendous stress. For this reason, it’s recommended that all family caregivers practice emergency preparedness long before the unexpected has a chance to occur. This ultimate checklist covers everything you need to handle your senior loved one’s financial and medical care throughout any emergency event.
Health Information
In the event of a health-related emergency, you’ll need to inform doctors and hospitals of your loved one’s current state of health and insurance information. Have the following information stored in a folder or online file you can quickly access during an emergency:
- List of all prescribed medications
- List of current health conditions
- Names and phone numbers of primary doctor and any specialists
- Health insurance card
A professional caregiver can help you put together a complete emergency checklist for your loved one. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
Essential Documents
During an emergency, it may be necessary to produce proof of decisions your loved one has made regarding his or her care. Consider having these documents copied and added to your emergency file:
- Living will
- Trusts
- Marriage certificate
- Do-not-resuscitate order (DNR)
- Durable power of attorney
If you have the help of a professional caregiver, make sure he or she has a copy of your emergency checklist. Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional elderly home care Portland seniors can trust and rely on.
Financial Information & Access
As the primary caregiver, you may have to handle your loved one’s financial affairs during a health emergency. You should have access to:
- Financial durable power of attorney
- Mortgage information
- Car title or auto loan information
- Lease agreement if renting
- List of all accounts, including utilities and due dates for payments
- Bank account information
- User names and passwords for online banking and bill paying accounts
Personal Contact Information
During any type of emergency, it’s important to be able to reach loved ones quickly. Make sure the following personal contact information is readily available:
- Names and phone numbers of close family and friends
- Contact information for all other caregivers
- Name and phone number of clergy member or preferred religious organization
- List of people to be notified first during a health crisis
Emergencies can be especially difficult to navigate if you are caring for a loved one with cognitive decline due to a form of dementia such as Alzheimer’s. Without the right assistance, Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors and their families to handle. If you’re looking for professional Alzheimer’s care, Portland Assisting Hands Home Care provides high-quality care aging adults and their families can count on. All of our caregivers are trained to help seniors with Alzheimer’s live happier and healthier lives, and we also provide specialized dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Specialists today.
