What if you get sick?

Author: The SCIRE Professional Team | Reviewers: Cynthia Morin , Andrea Townson | Published: 5 August 2020 | Updated: ~

Historical pandemic information reproduced with its original publication context.

Caregivers should create a back-up care plan for clients

  • Decide who can step in if you are unable to provide care for your client.
  • Consider the specialized tasks you manage for people with SCI and expand your circle of care to include a person with SCI’s family members or friends who may be able to help if necessary.
  • Use video platforms (Facetime, Skype, Zoom) to review the plan with your circle and recipient to ensure they are comfortable with the backup-plan.

The care plan should include the following:

  • Contact information for: doctors, clinics, pharmacy, family, friends, neighbours, home and community care case managers, and food delivery.
  • Information regarding the client’s condition (medical history, allergies, specific needs etc.).
  • A schedule of what your typical tasks look like with enough detail for someone to follow and take over if need be.
  • A list of names and doses of medications and when they are given to the recipient.
  • A list of important supplies that need to be purchased regularly (e.g., toilet paper, cleaning supplies, hygiene products).
  • Information about their likes and dislikes, self-care routines, and food preferences.
  • Additional non-perishable food items to ensure your client has continued access to healthy meals.
  • A list of essential items your client needs if they need to leave their home or require hospitalization.