What happens if the caregiver gets sick? Why you need a backup plan

(Aging Untold) — It’s a question that keeps many caregivers awake at night: What happens to my loved one if something happens to me?

In the chaos of daily caregiving, it’s easy to neglect your own health and put off planning for the unexpected. But without a backup plan in place, a single emergency can quickly spiral into a dangerous and expensive crisis for the entire family.

The real cost of not planning ahead

“A hope and a prayer is not a backup plan,” Sam Cradduck, a gerontologist, said.

The statistics are sobering: 30% of caregivers do not outlive the person they’re caring for, according to Aging Care.

This isn’t a rare occurrence — it happens regularly.

First responders arrive, take the caregiver away in an ambulance, and the person with dementia is left home alone, not realizing their caregiver won’t be returning.

“One crisis can create a cascade of crises,” Katherine Ambrose, an aging-well coach, said. “If you have a plan in place, that can prevent terrible things from happening next.”

Start the conversation before crisis strikes

“I think in terms of being practical, talk as a family,” Amy O’Rourke, an aging expert, said. “This is a great conversation starter — let’s all have a family meeting or a meeting with close friends and say, I need to talk about a backup plan.”

The key is naming your fears so you can create an action plan. Whether it’s COVID, a car accident, or any illness you can’t expose your loved one to, you need someone ready to step in immediately.

“If you’re not talking before the crisis, that crisis just became a complete and total disaster,” Cradduck warns.

Key takeaways: Building your backup plan

Identify at least two backup caregivers

Don’t rely on just one person. Line up at least two people who can step in on short notice. If family isn’t nearby, consider pre-registering with a home care agency.

Create a comprehensive caregiving binder

Write down everything: medications and dosages, where medications are stored, daily routines, doctor information and emergency contacts. Keep this information current, as medications and care needs change frequently.

Make home access easy

Ensure that family or others you trust can access your home.

“Nobody wants to come in after a 911 call and have to replace their front door,” Cradduck said. “Those guys are coming in the door to get to you.”

Post critical information on the refrigerator

First responders always check the refrigerator. Post medical information, emergency contacts and care instructions where they’re easy to find.

Have the long-distance conversation early

If adult children live far away, discuss whether your loved one should relocate to be closer to them, or vice versa. Don’t wait until a crisis forces the decision.

Remember: Procrastination becomes an emergency

The time to plan is now, while you’re healthy and thinking clearly—not in the middle of a medical crisis.