Caring for the people who raised us is something we hope we’ll never have to do, but when that moment comes, we want to be there, just as they were there for us. It’s one of the deepest expressions of love we can offer.
Still, being a caregiver is a huge responsibility, and it’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed at times. One of the greatest gifts a caregiver can give themselves is a solid organizational system. When critical information is clearly documented, easy to locate, and readily accessible, you save time, reduce stress, and ensure you’re making well-informed decisions for the person depending on you.
When Our “System” Isn’t Enough
Most of us have a personal system for important documents, passwords, medical details, or financial information, and we know exactly where everything is… even if no one else does. But if someone needs to step in to help during a crisis or simply lend support, this can become an unexpected obstacle. Other people often don’t know our personal systems. Similarly, we likely don’t know the systems for the loved ones we might care for someday.
Be honest…
If you needed to call 911 for a loved one, or if you were asked to communicate with your loved one’s insurance company, bank, or professional advisors while he or she sought care, could you:
- Name all of the medications your loved one takes, including the doses?
- Name all known allergies?
- Remember your loved one’s bank account number? Could you find the Power of Attorney that would allow you to access that account (or do you even have one?)
- Provide information for primary and secondary insurance coverage, including policy numbers, group numbers, and the full address of the provider?
- Access your loved one’s DD214 if he or she is a veteran?
- Quickly access the contact information for your loved one’s attorney, accountant, CPA, medical specialists, etc. who may need to know about your loved one’s situation and/or condition?
- Access your loved one’s online accounts, including online banking accounts, brokerage accounts, email accounts, or social media pages?
If you answered “no” to even one of these questions, keep reading.
Why Transparency and Communication Matter for the Caregiver
This why we place such a strong emphasis on transparency and communication between caregivers, fiduciaries, and the people they support. You may know where your safe deposit box key is tucked away, what medications you take, who your doctors are, or where your accounts are held. But if the people you trust or the people who trust you aren’t aware of this information, they’re left struggling at a time when help is needed.
Preparing with Love
As a gift to you and your family this holiday season, we’ve created the Caregiver’s Essential Document List, an easy-to-follow checklist designed to help caregivers identify, gather, and organize the most important documents and details needed to care for someone. Whether you’re currently caring for someone or simply preparing for your own future, this list can bring peace of mind to everyone involved.
This holiday season, consider giving the gift of preparedness. Because when life happens, and as we know it always does, having a plan in place is one of the most meaningful gifts you can offer the people you love.
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