WHAT DID WE LEARN? – EMERGENCY SCENARIO #2

What are some of the things you learned from participating in Emergency Scenario #2?

“You were involved in a car accident. You have some bumps and aches but were not seriously injured physically, however you have lost your memory.”

There are so many situations that can happen that put you out of commission for a short (maybe even a lengthy) time so this is definitely something we need to prepare for. While it may seem to be more efficient to keep everything “in your head,” that can become a disservice to your family.

Participant comments focused around the bill paying aspect this event would affect. Linda, commented: “This actually happened already. Not a car accident, but a really bad illness. What made the transfer of bill paying less difficult was a list of the bill, addresses, account numbers, due dates, and amounts in a binder. It was a lifesaver.” Gaby added “I did have a car wreck 17 years ago and was in the hospital for 3 including rehab learning how to walk again.” Her bill paying was already set up on auto-pay but this practice session reminded her that, since she is single, she needs to designate someone and explain what needs to be done in case she again becomes mentally/physically unable to do so. Biff indicated he is living this scenario now because of brain fog from Long Covid: “I managed to hold on to my job (sort of) but every so often I would come home and wonder why the lights wouldn’t turn on, or the phone didn’t work. After trashing my credit, I had the bright idea to automate every bill I could and it made all the difference. Now I’m trying to think of other things to automate, like meal prep and setting alarms for everything. Writing lists doesn’t really work for me any more, because that involves memory and concentration.”

However, there is more involved with this than just the financial aspect.

By participating in this exercise you should have come to realize that you and, as applicable, your partner, need to establish a plan in at least four areas:

Who will take over your family’s financial responsibilities?

If you haven’t assigned a trustworthy person who can undertake these functions and given them the tools to step in when necessary, now is the time to do so.

In my household, I keep a (somewhat) updated EFFAK (Emergency Financial First Aid Kit) in my Important Documents binder. This exercise reminded me it’s time to review and update my copy. The EFFAK includes checklists of important documents and forms to capture information such as: Household Identification, Financial and Legal Documentation, Medical Information, and Household Contacts. When the time comes, my designee has a list of the bills, when to pay them, and the account information to complete those transactions.

Who will make medical decisions for you?

Everyone over age 18 should have a Living Will / Health Care Power of Attorney / Advance Directive. If you do not need to handle these through an attorney, you and the other adults in your household can complete a FIVE WISHES document to provide for these requirements and also let your family know your wishes for end-of-life care.

Who knows where to find your personal and family calendars and the necessary contacts for family activities?

Do you keep family and personal appointments and contact information in your phone? If so, someone needs to know how to access that information. Do you have the names, addresses, and contact information for your children’s schools and daycare? Actually, this information is needed for every work / school / extra-curricular activity your family members are involved in. In addition to the EFFAK, your FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN should be completed and made accessible to your family members. Click the green link to access a version of this document.

Who knows how to take care of your home?

Every household is run differently but, at an age-appropriate level, everyone should know how to take part in the running of the home and have the tools and knowledge to meal plan, grocery shop, cook, clean, take the car in for service, change the furnace filter, mow the lawn, etc.

Where is important information kept?

Every household should have an IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS BINDER. Click the green link for a list of the things to include in your Important Documents Binder, including the EFFAK, FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN, and FIVE WISHES.

LEAVE A COMMENT TO SHARE WHAT OTHER WAYS YOU THINK WE SHOULD PREPARE FOR A SIMILAR SCENARIO?