The Importance of Creating a Caregiver Back-Up Plan

If you are the primary caregiver for a north Texas senior, you probably know their medical history well and understand the ins and outs of what they need. But what would happen if you experience a medical emergency of your own? Would anyone know how to care for your aging loved one?

Creating a caregiver back-up plan should be a priority for your family this year. We know it is a topic that most families aren’t always comfortable discussing. But having a plan in place can give you peace of mind that your loved one will be well cared for.

The first step is to create a medical file and the second step is to talk with senior care providers who provide short-term respite services in the Dallas – Fort Worth area.

Creating a Medical File for a Senior Loved One

Here is what you should have in your older adult’s medical file:

• Emergency contact: List caregiver name and phone numbers as well as secondary contact people. In the event the primary caregiver can’t be immediately reached, be sure there are alternatives.
• Complete medical history: Document your senior loved one’s medical conditions, surgeries, and any known allergies. Also create and maintain a list of their current medications (including over the counter medications they take) along with dosages, times and the prescribing physician.
• Physician contact information: While you might know from memory that Dr. Jones is your father’s primary care physician and Dr. Smith is his cardiologist, someone who will have to step in to your caregiving role quickly probably won’t. So be sure your list is complete and that it includes each physician’s name and contact information
• Insurance information: Keep copies of your aging family member’s health insurance and prescriptions cards, as well as their Medicare and (if applicable) Medicaid information.
• Health care documents: If your senior loved one has worked with an attorney to create documents such as a durable power of attorney for health care or living will, have copies in this file.

Research Local Senior Care Options

The next step is to research and visit with senior care providers in and around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. In the event of an emergency, you want to make sure your loved one has the care they need.

Our experienced team of senior care advisors can help you with that search. We have insider knowledge of options ranging from in-home care to residential care homes and assisted living communities in north Texas. We can help you find solutions to include in your caregiver back-up plan.

Senior Living Specialists is a free service for seniors and their families. We are compensated by a referral fee when a senior moves into a community or care home. Please call us today at 214-929-5055 to learn more.