As their primary caregiver, you offer endless love, support, and care to your loved one with dementia. You’re their source of comfort—always there to meet their needs and keep them company.
But life is full of surprises, and you never know when you might need time away from your loved one to take care of other matters or for some much-needed self-care. It’s natural to worry about who’ll look after them and keep them safe in your absence.
A caregiver backup plan is the perfect solution. With a strong support system and an action plan in place, you’ll have peace of mind, knowing that your loved one will keep getting the care and attention they need, even while you’re away.
Here, we’ll walk you through the easy-to-follow steps to create a caregiver plan that truly works for both you and your loved one.
1. Talk to your loved one
Before you start building your backup plan, sit down and have an open chat with your loved one. Including them in the conversation will help ease their worries and let them know their feelings are heard and their needs are respected.
Take the time to listen to their concerns and focus on the positive side of things. Let them know that having a backup plan is all about making sure they receive the best possible care when you’re away.
2. Identify your needs
Every caregiver’s backup plan will look a little different, because every caregiving situation is unique. Think about what might come up for you—maybe a last-minute appointment, an unexpected illness, or simply some time away to take a break and recharge.
What kind of support would you need in those moments? It might vary depending on the situation, and that’s completely okay. The key is understanding your needs now, so you can set up a backup plan that works later. A plan that guarantees your loved one gets the care they need when you have to step away.
3. Explore options early
It might not be something you need to worry about just yet, but knowing what care options are out there—and how to access them—can save you a lot of stress in the long run.
Exploring different options also gives you the opportunity to find the best fit for your loved one—a provider who’ll offer the same level of care and compassion that you do.
Start by looking into local respite care, in-home care, or day programs with professional caregivers that can step in whenever you need. If a paid caregiver isn’t the right option for you or your loved one, talk to other family members about the possibility of one of them taking over your care role on a short-term basis as needed.
Related: The importance of exploring long term care options early
4. Build a contact list
Once you’ve done a little research, it’s helpful to have a list of go-to people and services you can reach out to when you need backup unexpectedly. From family and friends to professional caregiving services, determine who can help in times like these, and keep their contact info close at hand.
This way, if something comes up and you need to step away for a bit, there’s no scrambling to figure out who to call. You’ve got a supportive network in your contact list, and help is just a call away.
5. Do a trial run
If you’re thinking about respite care or a day program, it’s a good idea to do a trial run first. Take your loved one for a visit before you actually need to use the service. This gives both of you a chance to get comfortable and see if it’s the right fit.
As a caregiver, it can be difficult to lean on professional support, even when you need it. A trial run can give you the reassurance you need that your loved one will feel safe and comfortable, and that the care they’ll get will cover all their needs in your absence.
6. Organize important information
There’s a lot to keep track of as a caregiver. When it’s time for someone else to step in—whether it’s a professional caregiver, family, or friends—you might worry that important details could slip through the cracks.
One of the best ways to stay organized when switching to professional or family caregivers is by keeping a care book. Keep track of everything a caregiver needs to know about your loved one in a physical or digital file, including their:
- Medical history
- Medications list
- Family contact information
- Physician contact information
- Medicare and insurance details
- Emergency procedures
7. Add a personal touch
It’s important to lay out all the practical details—but don’t forget to add a few personal touches to your care book along with medical information and key contacts.
Does your loved one enjoy a morning walk? Is there a particular song that helps them calm down when they get upset? Jot down your loved one’s favorite activities, comforting routines, and anything that makes them smile.
These small-seeming details can go a long way in helping someone else step in and care for them in a way that feels familiar and comforting.
Related: Caregiver, care for yourself first
Sundara Senior Living—the perfect fit for your caregiver backup plan
Creating a caregiver backup plan gives you the peace of mind of knowing that your loved one is taken care of—no matter what life throws your way. By talking to your loved one, planning ahead, organizing important information into a care book, and more—you can create a care plan that works for everyone involved.
If you’re looking for a reliable care provider to add to your caregiving plan, reach out to Sundara Senior Living. We provide a small, welcoming memory care community where residents and staff connect naturally.
With only 16 residents in each home, we offer a more personal and comfortable environment that’s often missing in larger facilities—reducing stress and creating a calm, stable atmosphere for daily living.
Our dedicated team, including both owners and staff, is specially trained to support residents with cognitive challenges. We’re here to make the transition as easy as possible for you and your loved one and to build strong relationships with those in our care and their families.
Interested in learning how Sundara Senior Living can help your family? Get in touch with us today!