Plan for Backups
You do as much as you can to keep everything going smoothly for your loved one. Sometimes things beyond your control come up, though. Who will care for your family member if you get sick or need to go away for a few days?
Plan now for those times when you need an extra set of hands.
Think of people you can call to watch your loved one for a few days. Consider:
• Relatives and friends who live nearby
• A trusted neighbor
• Church or synagogue members
• Service agencies that can come to the person's home. Look in the yellow pages under "home health services," "senior services," "respite care," or "adult day care."
• Some nursing homes will allow your loved one to stay for a week or two. Ask your loved one's doctor about good nursing homes where you live.
• Your state's Division on Aging or the National Eldercare hotline (1-800-677-1116) also may be able to suggest backup caregivers.
Important Numbers
Print out this form and put it by your telephone:
In case of emergency, call:
1)_________________________________________
2)_________________________________________
If I need a sick day, I can call:
1)______________________________________, or
2)______________________________________, or
3)______________________________________
If I need to go away for a few days, I can call:
1)_______________________________________, or
2)_______________________________________, or
3)_______________________________________
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