Why Every Care Plan Needs a Backup Plan

When most people think about long-term care, they picture one scenario: the person needing care passes away first. But what if that’s not what happens?

What if the caregiver—a spouse, adult child, or sibling providing daily support—is the one who passes away or becomes too ill to help?

It’s a difficult thought, but it happens more often than you might think. And when it does, the person receiving care can be left in a dangerously vulnerable position—especially if there’s no plan in place.

At Roth Elder Law, we help families prepare for the unexpected so they are never caught off guard in a crisis. That includes planning for the “reverse scenario” most people never see coming.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

The caregiver often isn’t just cooking meals or helping with bathing—they’re the one managing medications, handling doctor appointments, coordinating benefits, and keeping financial and legal matters organized. They’re the glue holding everything together.

If they are suddenly gone or unable to continue, the person receiving care could lose not only their support—but their safety net.

This is especially urgent when:

• Anaging parent relies on an only child who lives nearby
• Aspouse is caring for a partner with dementia or chronic illness
• Anadult with disabilities depends on aging parents or siblings
• Family members live far away or are not able to step in quickly

How to Plan for the “What If”

Preparing for this scenario does not mean expecting the worst—it means being thoughtful, responsible, and loving enough to make sure someone vulnerable is never left unprotected.

Here are six key steps to take now:

1. Name Backup Caregivers
   Identify trusted relatives, close friends, or professional caregivers who could step in if the primary caregiver is unavailable.

2. Document Daily Routines and Needs
   Write down key care instructions—medications, habits, likes and dislikes—and keep them accessible.

3. Update Legal Documents with Backup Decision-Makers
   Make sure powers of attorney (financial and medical) name backups. If the caregiver is listed as the only decision-maker, that’s a major risk.

4. Consider a Special Needs Trust or Other Financial Protections
   If the person receiving care is financially vulnerable, the right legal tools can preserve benefits and avoid disruption.

6. Keep All Documents Organized and Accessible
   Legal, medical, and financial paperwork should be up to date—and someone besides the caregiver should know where to find them.
7. Talk About It
   These conversations may feel uncomfortable—but they bring peace of mind, reduce confusion, and help everyone feel supported.

Being Proactive Is a Gift

Planning for the possibility that the caregiver may die or become incapacitated first is not pessimistic—it’s compassionate. It’s the best way to protect the person you love, avoid family chaos, and reduce stress when emotions are already high.

We Can Help You Prepare—Before It’s Urgent

At Roth Elder Law, we’ve helped hundreds of families build safety nets for life’s most difficult moments. Our goal is to bring clarity and confidence to your planning—so that even the worst-case scenarios are met with preparation, not panic.

📞 Call 607-962-6162 or visit RothElderLaw.com to schedule your consultation.
Let’s make sure the people you care for will always have the support they need—even if life takes an unexpected turn.