What is a care contingency plan?
A contingency plan is a plan for the unexpected.
As a carer, a contingency plan will outline some basic information so that others can step in to help and provide the necessary care should you suddenly be unable to. It might be due to an illness, a family emergency, or even just needing a short break.
- Having this written down ensures your loved one will be so that others can step in to help and provide the necessary care should you properly supported.
What does a care contingency plan include?
Here are some essential things to include in your contingency plan:
- Your contact details & those of the person you care for (Names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses for you both)
- Emergency contacts: Family, friends, neighbours, someone reliable who can be called upon quickly. Ensure to ask their permission first.
- Doctors name and contact details.
- Medical information for your cared for person: Details of ongoing conditions, medications (a clear list with dosages), allergies.
- Care routine: What are the daily tasks they need support with, use a simple timetable to detail the daily schedule such as bathing, eating, taking meds, etc.
- Likes and dislikes: A few important preferences – their favourite food, TV shows, hobbies – including information like this can can make transitions much smoother in the short term
Communicate your plan with family, friends and, if appropriate, the person that you care for, share copies, let your doctor, care worker and/or social worker know you have one and leave it where it will be found in an emergency.
