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 practise emergency preparedness long before the unexpected has a chance to occur. This ultimate checklist covers everything you need to handle your older 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 Home Care Assistance, a leading senior 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
- 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 at-home care Oakville 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
- Usernames 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
If you’re concerned about ensuring your loved one’s safety in case of an emergency, consider hiring an around-the-clock caregiver. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Oakville live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (905) 337-1200.