“What If Something Happens?”: Emergency Planning for Family Caregivers
Emergencies don’t wait until you’re ready. Whether it’s a middle-of-the-night hospital run, a fall, or a wildfire evacuation—you need a plan. Emergency preparedness is one of the most overlooked parts of caregiving, but it can be the difference between chaos and calm when things go sideways.
The Realities of Caregiving Emergencies
Caregivers often face:
Sudden trips to the ER
Confusion during hospital admissions
Missing medical documents
Not knowing who to call (or who has power of attorney)
When every second counts, having a system in place can reduce stress and mistakes.
What Every Caregiver Emergency Kit Should Include
Medical Info Sheet: diagnoses, allergies, meds, physicians
Legal Docs: power of attorney, advance directives, DNR if applicable
Insurance Cards & ID Copies
List of Contacts: family, doctors, preferred hospitals
Spare Meds & Supplies: at least 72 hours’ worth
Go-Bag: water, snacks, phone charger, change of clothes
Bonus tip: keep a digital copy in the cloud for quick access
Disaster Preparedness: Think Beyond the Hospital
If you live in an area prone to wildfires, earthquakes, or power outages, add:
Flashlights, batteries, and a weather radio
Portable oxygen or backup power for medical devices
A plan for pets
Transport assistance, if your loved one has mobility needs
Call your county’s Office of Emergency Services—they often have caregiver-specific checklists.
Don’t Forget About You
If something happens to you, does someone know how to step in?
Make sure someone you trust:
Has access to your loved one’s home or keys
Knows where important papers are
Understands your loved one’s daily care routine
Being the “only one who knows everything” is dangerous—start delegating.
Willow & Wells
Emergency planning might feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the most empowering steps you can take. At Willow & Wells, we help you prepare—not panic. Use our free checklists, conversation guides, and expert tips to protect your peace.
Need help building your emergency plan? Reach out. We’ll walk through it with you and make sure nothing falls through the cracks—because peace of mind is part of the care, too.
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