When you’re caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, worries can keep you up at night — but they don’t help you. Through our conversation with Denise Brown, we’ve learned having a solid emergency plan helps calm your worries, reduce your fears, and provide you with peace of mind.
Full Show Notes
Additional Resources Mentioned
Slides used in episode here
Caring Our Way community here
Family Emergency Plan space on Caring Our Way here
Schedule of free planning sessions with consultant here
Takeaways
Tip 1: Name Your Worry
The first step in creating an emergency plan is identifying specific concerns that keep you up at night. Denise's Family Emergency Plan includes eight categories of common caregiver worries:
- Delays
- Health emergencies
- Hospitalizations
- Behavioral challenges
- Transportation issues
- Medication management
- Care coordination
- Communication needs
Tip 2: Develop Your Plan
Once you've identified your concerns, it's time to create actionable plans. Remember that plans can take many forms:
- Written instructions
- Maps or diagrams
- Medication lists
- Contact information
- Behavior management strategies
- Transportation arrangements
Tip 3: Communicate Your Plan
Effective communication ensures everyone involved understands their role. Consider multiple methods of sharing information:
- Written letters or emails
- Shared online documents
- In-person meetings
- Physical copies in accessible locations
- Regular updates and reminders
Tip 4: Update Your Plan Regularly
Emergency plans should evolve as circumstances change. Watch for these common triggers that signal the need for updates:
- Changes in your care recipient's condition
- New diagnoses or medications
- Shifts in your own availability
- Family member changes
- Service provider updates
- Transitions to palliative or hospice care
About Our Guest Expert
Denise Brown founded the Caring Our Way community to support family caregivers. The community offers free resources, including:
- Monthly planning sessions
- Family Care Manager course
- Downloadable planning templates
- Online support spaces
- Access to certified caregiving consultants
You can find these resources at caringourway.com.
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