Emergencies are stressful enough without having to figure everything out in the moment. A simple written plan, a few supplies, and a couple of people who know the plan can make all the difference — especially when a loved one relies on medications or medical equipment.
Think of it in three steps: know the needs, make the plan, and line up the people who'll help.
Know the needs, build the network
Start by listing your loved one's needs — medical conditions, all medications, equipment, mobility, and communication. Then build a small support network of family, friends, and neighbors. Make sure at least one of them has a spare key, knows where the emergency supplies are, and knows how to help with any equipment or medicine.
Supplies and backup
Prepare two things: a supply kit to shelter in place, and a smaller 'go-bag' to grab if you have to leave. Both should include a several-day supply of medications, copies of insurance cards, and the one-page emergency medical sheet. If your loved one depends on powered medical equipment, call the electric utility to register as a life-sustaining-equipment customer, and plan for backup power and charged batteries.
- Several days of medications, plus a printed medication and allergy list
- Copies of Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance cards
- Chargers, batteries, and backup power for essential equipment
- Food, water, and supplies for any pets or service animals
- Contact list and a simple communication plan for the family
- Write a one-page needs list: conditions, medications, equipment, mobility.
- Choose 2-3 support people and give one a spare key and the plan.
- Register powered medical equipment with the utility and arrange backup power.
- Assemble a shelter-in-place kit and a grab-and-go bag.
- Practice the plan once a year and keep medications and contacts current.
Keep a master emergency binder — plus a photo of each page on caregivers' phones — with the plan, contacts, medication and allergy list, and insurance copies, and make sure more than one person has a copy.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make an emergency plan for an elderly parent?
Assess their needs (conditions and all medications), build a small support network, and write it down. It helps to make two versions — one focused on the senior and one for you as the caregiver.
What should be in an emergency kit for a senior?
Several days of food and water, all medications, batteries and chargers, backup power for medical equipment, pet or service-animal supplies, and copies of key documents and insurance cards.
What documents should I keep ready for a senior's emergency?
Accessible copies of health, insurance, legal, and financial records — including the medication and allergy list, insurance cards, and advance directives — plus a durable power of attorney and a list of trusted contacts.
Who should be on a senior's emergency support team?
A few willing helpers — family, friends, or neighbors — with a shared call list. At least one should have a spare key and know where supplies are and how to help with equipment or medicine.
How often should we update and practice the plan?
Practice at least once a year (twice is better), and refresh the medication list and contact information whenever anything changes.