What‘s your Plan B? 

Plan B is about making plans for who will care for your loved one if you cannot due to illness or other emergencies. This is a very important piece of being a caregiver that is often missed. No caregiver wants to think they will not be able to care for their loved one, but are you ready if something happens to you that would make it impossible to care for this family member or dear friend? Below are some steps for your consideration as you develop your Plan B:

1. Identify your Plan B caregiver: Talk to family and friends to see who is willing to step in if you are unable to provide care. It is important to know that finding professional long term care is costly and takes time to arrange. If possible, talk to the person you are caring for about who they would want to care for them in an emergency. The person receiving care should have the most influential voice unless he or she is mentally or physically unable.
2. Pull your team together: Make a list of everyone who wants to help, including family members, close friends, health professionals, home care workers and others in the community.
3. Take stock of the situation: Remember that the level of care needed can change daily, monthly, and yearly. Make changes as needed. Revisit your plan B as often as necessary.
4. Have a family meeting: Family meetings can help you make sure that everyone understands the situation. Caring for someone is not a one-person job. You need others to pitch in and step in when necessary. Meetings are a way to keep everyone informed and involved. Family meetings can be a good place to problem-solve and share opinions. Not all family meetings go smoothly, but the results can be positive. If necessary, enlist the help of a mediator. The Community Mediation Center of Calvert County can help. You can contact them at 443-295-7456. 
5. Share Your Plan B: Once you have put together your plan B, share the plan with family neighbors, your loved one’s doctor, and anyone else who should know. You may want to post a short version of your Plan B on the refrigerator where people can see it in an emergency.