Health Emergency Plan
You may hear people making mistakes and forgetting things when they are faced with a family crisis. The following may seem like overkill, but the last thing you want to do is be scrambling for solutions in an emotionally challenging time when a loved one passes away or needs round-the-clock care.
- Meet with your estate planning attorney to name someone who will act on your behalf for healthcare decisions. You may want to have a different person manage your financial matters.
- Have your medical directives stored online and keep the access information on your refrigerator and in your wallet or purse along with a list of your key contacts. Include email addresses and the best phone number for each. PlanPrep can help with this.
- Make sure your key contacts (including your doctor) are notified if you are ever hospitalized anywhere outside your local area or home state.
- Store your legal and insurance documents securely online. PlanPrep can help with this.
- Be sure your key contacts can be notified promptly and then locate your documents easily and quickly.
- Place a list of your major health issues (including allergies) and prescriptions you are taking on the fridge as well as in your wallet or purse.
- Investigate services that are available through your community, religious organizations, and government entities. See the Long-Term Care Resources page for sources to investigate.
- Evaluate local home care providers, assisted living facilities, and the (dreaded) skilled care facilities while you are healthy. A decision of care providers should be made before a need ever arises.
Let PlanPrep know if you'd like some help in putting your plan together.