Emergencies come in a variety of shapes and sizes; never at the most opportune moments. When I think of an emergency, I think of a natural disaster, a fall, a sudden illness, some event that requires quick action. Preparedness for unavoidable emergencies is important, whether or not you are caring for someone.

You and your family can know all the safe exits from your home. You may have a tucked away storm shelter with all the necessary items for a short stay in case a sudden storm comes along. Every member of your household has been told where important phone numbers are and who to call in an emergency.

If you need outsiders to come in to help care for your loved one, you have provided this information to the agency and attendant. Your emergency response plan is in place, it is well prepared. Or is it you?

Let’s say you are caring for your mother at home. The hired sitter, Karen, has arrived and you’re on your way to a well-deserved outing with friends. Karen has been to her house before; she is very trustworthy and you feel comfortable leaving her in charge.

Let’s say an emergency arises while you’re gone and Karen has to make a quick decision about her patient’s care. She contacted her supervisor or nurse and it was determined that she should call 911. Calls to her cell phone have been unsuccessful.

Your mother can’t communicate well due to dementia or Alzheimer’s. Does Karen know her doctor? His meds from her? His allergies from her? Does she know where to find you? Will she know where she should be taken by the emergency team?

While I was taking care of my mother, agencies often sent caregivers who didn’t know us. Even the family and friends who helped may not have automatically known the answers to the above questions.

I made a little card with information for anyone (including us) to give to ambulance or ER personnel or anyone else who might need the information. I posted a copy of this card on the wall in every room in the house, including the bathrooms and kitchen, and by the front door. I didn’t expect emergencies to arise, but I did prepare in case they did.

#1. Start with basic information: person’s name, address, and date of birth. Be sure to include the relationship and the names of other people living in the home.

#2. Be careful when considering the necessary medical information: the name and phone number of your doctor, the hospital of choice, the medications and supplements you are currently taking, and any known allergies.

#3. Please list any disabilities, both physical and mental. Be sure to list any problems you may have in communicating honestly with others.

#4. Be practical when considering what to list. It may be good to make a list of your vehicles and license plates. In an extreme emergency, a patrolman may have to search for you. Cell phones are a great tool but they are not always reliable.

I realize that these types of lists depend on the patient, the circumstances, the area in which they live, and other factors. For me, this list gave me a lot of peace of mind and came in handy on those occasions when we had to call an ambulance to take my mother to the hospital. I’m sure the emergency team appreciated having that information available.

We all care about others in one way or another. Why not consider your family’s needs and prepare a list like this for each family member? Keep one in the glove compartment of your car and next to your phone, and be prepared in case of an emergency.