Caregivers juggle many responsibilities, from medication management and appointment scheduling to transportation and more. Amidst these tasks, an emergency can disrupt your routine and potentially compromise the care you provide. Unfortunately, emergencies do happen.

“As a caregiver, it’s crucial to prepare for emergencies and safeguard you and your loved one from this uncertainty,” says Silvia Amorim, Manager of Care Management at Kay Daily Care. “Being prepared helps you manage difficult situations calmly and effectively, minimizing worry and uncertainty. An emergency plan is key to achieving peace of mind and improving outcomes.”

Here are three expert tips to create your emergency caregiving plan:

Kay Daily Care Tip #1: Register with Your Town’s Special Needs Registry

First, register your loved one with your town or city hall’s Special Needs Emergency Registry, sometimes called a Vulnerable Population Registry. These registries help local governments identify citizens who may need assistance during emergencies and allocate additional resources accordingly.

This registry serves as a backup plan for caregivers and provides extra support for those you care for. Not all cities or towns offer this option, but it’s worth calling your town hall to see if such a registry or other emergency planning resources are available.

Kay Daily Care Tip #2: Create an Emergency Supply Kit

Prepare an emergency supply kit with essentials you and your loved one would need in a crisis. Having these items ready ensures you can stay in control and improve your outcome during an unexpected event.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), your emergency kit should include:

• Water and non-perishable foods
• Flashlight
• First-aid kit
• Tool kit (including essential tools, can opener, etc.)
• Battery-powered radio
• Backup cellphone battery packs and/or chargers

Additionally, consider adding soap, prescription and over-the-counter medications, blankets, and personal hygiene items. Keep track of expiration dates to ensure everything is ready when needed.

Expert tip: Pack your emergency kit in an easily transportable container, like a basket with wheels or a collapsible wagon, in case you need to leave home quickly.

Kay Daily Care Tip #3: Engage Your Support Team and Set Up an Emergency Communication Plan

Involve your Caregiving Support Team in your emergency preparations and create an Emergency Communication Plan. Emergency situations can be stressful, so it’s important to share the responsibilities with your support network.

According to FEMA, here are steps to create your Emergency Communications Plan:

• Collect: Compile a folder with essential documents, such as medical records, emergency contact information, service provider documents, and health insurance details.
• Share: Ensure all primary caregivers have access to these documents or keep copies in your emergency kit for quick access.
• Practice: Regularly meet with your support team to review the emergency plan, including roles and responsibilities during a crisis.

For more detailed guidance, check out additional resources from FEMA.

Find the Support You Need to Be Prepared

Planning for emergencies is crucial for ensuring the well-being of both you and your loved one. It provides peace of mind and ensures that your loved one receives the necessary care even during unexpected situations.

At Kay Daily Care, we provide the resources and support you need. Visit the How We Help page on our site to learn more about how we support caregivers or contact us for more information.