Family Emergency Planning
The "what ifs?" can keep you up at night. Create a comprehensive emergency plan so you know what to do if you get sick, need a break, or face an unexpected crisis.
Why Emergency Planning Matters More Than Ever
When you're the primary caregiver, it's easy to become so focused on daily caregiving that you don't think about "what if." But what if you get sick? What if you need a break? What if there's an emergency?
These numbers show a critical gap: Most family caregivers are carrying everything alone. An emergency plan isn't just practical—it's essential. It gives you peace of mind and ensures your family member will be cared for no matter what.
What This Session Is For
This 60-minute planning session helps you think through scenarios, create contingency plans, and prepare your family and your systems for whatever comes. You'll leave with a comprehensive family emergency plan.
Plan for the "What Ifs?"
What happens if you get sick? Need to travel? Face a crisis? Think through realistic scenarios and how you'd handle them.
Identify Your Backup
Who can step in? Family members? Friends? Professionals? Create your backup support system and ensure they're prepared.
Document Everything
Create written plans for care instructions, medical information, financial access, and emergency contacts so anyone can step in seamlessly.
Test Your Plan
Leave with a concrete plan and know what conversations you need to have with family, friends, and professionals to make it work.
Session Details
You'll Leave With:
- A completed Family Emergency Plan specific to your situation
- Clear identification of your backup caregivers and supports
- Written care instructions and emergency protocols
- A list of critical documents and where they're located
- Emergency contact information and communication plans
- Knowledge of what conversations to have with your backup team
What Your Family Emergency Plan Covers
If You Get Sick
- Who steps in to provide care
- Care instructions for your family member
- Medical information and contacts
- Financial and access arrangements
- Duration and support needed
- Communication with your caree
If You Need a Break
- Backup caregiver arrangements
- Respite options and timing
- Training for your backup
- Care transition process
- Communication protocols
- Flexibility and contingencies
If There's an Emergency
- Crisis response procedures
- Medical decision-making authority
- Financial access and POA
- Professional team contacts
- Legal documents needed
- Long-term contingencies
Prepare for Your Session
To get the most from this planning session, gather some key information before you attend:
Download the Family Emergency Plan
This is the template you'll work through during the session. Download it now to familiarize yourself with what's included.
Download the Plan →List Your Support System
Think about who might be available to step in—family members, friends, neighbors, professionals. Who would be your first choice? Your backup?
Gather Key Information
Have handy: your caree's medical information, medications, doctors, financial information, legal documents, and emergency contacts. You don't need it all—just start gathering.
Not ready? Come as you are. We'll help you think it through during the session.
What You'll Experience in This Session
Share Your Situation
Tell us about your caregiving situation and the "what ifs" that worry you most. What scenarios keep you awake?
Explore Scenarios
Think through realistic scenarios: you're sick, you need respite, there's a medical emergency. What would happen in each situation?
Identify Your Team
Who are your backup caregivers? Family members? Professionals? Friends? Create a realistic support team with clear roles.
Document Everything
Work through the Family Emergency Plan, capturing critical information: medical details, financial access, care instructions, emergency contacts.
Plan Your Conversations
Create a communication strategy. What do your backup caregivers need to know? How will you train them? When will you have this conversation?
Commit to Action
Leave with clear next steps. You'll know exactly what conversations to have, documents to organize, and plans to put in place.
Facilitated By Certified Caregiving Consultants
From The Caregiving Years Training Academy
Our Certified Caregiving Consultants have lived through caregiving and understand the anxiety of not having a backup plan. They've helped hundreds of families create emergency plans that actually work. They'll help you too.
Find a ConsultantFrequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have family to help? Can I still create an emergency plan?
Absolutely. Many caregivers don't have family support. Your backup might be a neighbor, friend, faith community member, or professional caregiver. We'll help you think creatively about who could step in.
What if my backup person doesn't want to commit to a formal plan?
This is common. During the session, we help you think through how to approach this conversation—how to ask, what information to share, and how to make it feel manageable rather than overwhelming.
Do I need legal documents like a POA or healthcare proxy to have an emergency plan?
Legal documents are important and definitely worth having. But an emergency plan is the first step. It clarifies what needs to happen and helps you identify what legal/financial documents you need.
What if my caree can't or won't cooperate with planning?
This is a real challenge. We'll help you think through how to involve your caree appropriately and what you can plan even if they're resistant. You can plan a lot without their active participation.
How often should I update my emergency plan?
Life changes. It's good to review your plan annually or whenever something significant changes—a new medication, a move, a change in your support system. We'll discuss this during the session.
Can I follow up after the session if I have more questions?
Yes. You'll have access to our Caring Our Way community for ongoing support. You can also work with a Certified Caregiving Consultant to further develop your plan.
Stop Lying Awake Worrying. Create Your Plan.
The "what ifs?" are real. But you don't have to carry them alone or let them paralyze you. This planning session helps you think through scenarios, identify your support team, and create a comprehensive emergency plan.
Leave with peace of mind knowing you're prepared for whatever comes.
Register for Your SessionOther Planning Sessions That Might Help
The Fourth Friday is Here
Join us on the fourth Friday of the month at 1 p.m. ET for a planning session focused on giving you peace of mind. You'll leave with a comprehensive emergency plan and the confidence that you're prepared for whatever comes.
Register Now