The one with the meds, the doctor’s names, the appointments.
You’re the person everyone calls.
You know what time the pills are due, when the next visit is, and how to spot the early signs of trouble.
But what happens if you can’t be there?
If you’re in a car accident?
If you get sick or called away suddenly?
If burnout catches up with you and you physically or emotionally can’t keep going?
Who steps in? Who knows what to do?
Here’s how to build an emergency plan for the person holding the entire care system together: you.
1. You Are the System—And That’s the Problem
If you’re the only one who:
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Knows the full medication list
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Coordinates appointments
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Communicates with doctors and specialists
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Monitors symptoms and warning signs
…then everything falls apart if you step away, even temporarily.
That’s not sustainable.
A missed day can become a medical crisis. A forgotten dose can mean hospitalization. Caregivers need backup plans—not just for the person they’re supporting, but for themselves.
2. What Should Be in a Caregiver Emergency Binder
Create a simple, shareable binder or digital file with:
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Current medication list and dosages
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Medical history, diagnoses, and allergy info
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Primary doctor and specialist contact details
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Appointment schedule and care team names
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Health insurance cards, advance directives, and POA documents
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A detailed daily routine, including meal preferences, mobility needs, and behavioral red flags
Label it clearly. Keep it somewhere accessible. And make sure your backup person knows where to find it.
Pro tip: Use cloud storage for secure access from anywhere.
3. Choose a Backup Person—Now
Your backup doesn’t have to take over forever. They just need to:
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Understand your loved one’s basic care needs
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Be available in an emergency, even short-term
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Communicate clearly with medical staff
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Act quickly if you’re unable to
Whether it’s a family member, close friend, or trusted neighbor, name your person now—before an emergency forces your hand.
4. Normalize the Plan With Your Family
Say it out loud:
“If something happens to me, this is what I’ve put in place.”
This conversation invites collaboration instead of confusion. It shows your family that caregiving is a shared responsibility, not a solo mission. It also creates a culture of preparedness, where stepping in feels doable—not terrifying.
Use this plan to open the door to more conversations about long-term care, end-of-life wishes, and mutual support.
5. You Can’t Care for Them If There’s No Plan for You
What happens if you hit your own breaking point?
If you get injured, hospitalized, or simply burned out, your loved one still needs consistent care. An emergency caregiver plan ensures they’re not left in the dark—and neither are the people trying to help.
This plan gives you:
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Peace of mind
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Permission to rest
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Confidence that the system won’t fall apart without you
Emergency preparedness for caregivers isn’t about being paranoid—it’s about protecting the person who makes everything else possible: you.
Willow & Wells Helps Caregivers Protect Their Role Without Breaking Under It
At Willow & Wells, we specialize in helping caregivers plan for the unexpected. From emergency binders to care team coordination, we offer tools that help you lead with confidence—and step back when needed.
Because the best caregiving isn’t doing it all. It’s building something that lasts, even when you step away.
Join the Willow & Wells Community
We’re building something for people who are tired of doing this alone.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, overlooked, or just plain exhausted by the system… You’re exactly who we made this for.
Caregiving is hard enough. Finding help shouldn’t be.
Get early access to everything we’re working on – tools, guides, and real talk that helps.