Caregiving Contingency Plan

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Contingency Plans: Who will step in if you fall out of step?

By Denise M. Brown, Editor, Caregiving newsletter

You become so used to handling it all, so much so that you can't imagine not being there for your care recipient.

But, there will be times when you can't. You may have the flu, or be called out-of-town unexpectedly, or need to devote your time to another family crisis. Or, your home health aide, who you employ, is sick, but you need to be at work for an important meeting. Who will step in on your behalf?

Developing a contingency plan for just this reason will help you manage the crisis within the crisis. We've developed a small guide (below) to help you develop your plan. Your guide will contain contact names and phone numbers of organizations and persons who can help if you need to temporarily take a break from your role as caregiver:

Home Health Agency:

Social Service Agency:

Adult Day Services Agency:

Family Members/Friends/Neighbors:

Assisted Living Facility:

Nursing Home:

House of Worship Resources:

Others:

We've listed a variety of organizations that can help in a pinch. For instance, assisted living facilities and nursing homes provide short-term stays, some as short as a weekend. Contact the facilities in your area to learn about their respite policies. And, check home health agencies in your community to learn which would be appropriate as back-up to your privately-employed aide.

If you currently do not use any of these services, then research your options now: Understand which home health agency is best for you and your care recipient; which adult day center provides the most appropriate care for your care recipient; which social service agency offers programs and services that you can use.

Your contingency plan ensures your care recipient receives quality care in your absence--and you can take the time you need.

Looking for an article on a particular topic, such as getting along with your care recipient,
managing your guilt and anger, or coping with your uninvolved siblings? You can search our site here: