Don't have a caregiving back-up plan? Make one

Accidents happen. This well-known fact makes it imperative for the caregiver to devise a back-up plan. This plan must be designed to have another person who can take over responsibilities in case of emergencies.

Let's say you trip over something and sprain or break your ankle. As you sit with your foot elevated, the Alzheimer's patient you're caring for will constantly ask, "What happened to your foot?"

You know how tiring it is to be asked over and over about your injuries. Well, now you will be asked 20 to 30 times a day, and that's probably an extremely low estimate.

So, now you'll be hobbling around trying to care for the both of you. This is not a good scenario — trust me. I've been there.

It is the primary caregiver's responsibility to make sure there's someone always ready, willing and trained to step in when there's an emergency. I'm not just talking about broken bones here; there are doctors' appointments, medications, financial matters, etc. The list is long and you know it.

What happens if you die? Make certain ahead of time that the fate of your loved one will be placed in the right hands.

If you have power of attorney, papers need to be drawn up to have someone responsible enough to take charge should you not be there.

Do you really want the court to decide? No! I didn't think so. Unfortunately, if this actually happens, you won't be here. Decisions must be made now.

Meet with your attorney and have the appropriate papers drawn up. Explain the entire situation and that someone must be able to legally make the proper decisions in your absence.

Since the one you're caring for is unable to handle his or her own affairs, you must get busy immediately on this master plan.

You as the caregiver are of the utmost importance in the life of your loved one.

Meet with your family members or friends and put a back-up plan together.

You never know when something could happen.