What We Wish Families Had: Care Planning Before A Health Crisis

Jan 19
4 min read

Why getting organized now can make all the difference later

Most families do not plan to become caregivers. A sudden diagnosis, an accident, or a rapid health decline can change everything in a matter of hours. Families are then expected to coordinate care across providers, medications, and settings all at once — often without preparation or guidance.

The hardest part for most families is not learning what to do. It is doing it under pressure.

In 2025, a landmark report found that about 63 million Americans are now family caregivers, a nearly 45 percent increase over the past decade. This means nearly one in four adults is juggling caregiving responsibilities along with work, finances, and their own health. Many of these caregivers are unpaid, untrained for clinical tasks, and providing high-intensity support with minimal resources.

Given this reality, there are some critical elements families consistently say they wish they had before a crisis hit.

What Families Wish They Had Before a Health Crisis

A Complete, Up-to-Date Medication List

Having a medication list that includes names, dosages, frequencies, prescribing providers, and allergies saves time and reduces errors. In emergencies or new appointments, this information helps health professionals make faster, safer decisions.

A Clear Provider History

Nearly all families who step into caregiving roles find themselves explaining medical histories, past treatments, and specialist notes to new doctors or clinics. This redundancy not only wastes time but increases the risk of miscommunication.

Emergency Information in One Place

When stress is high, finding important phone numbers, insurance details, advance directives, or allergy alerts can be incredibly difficult. Centralizing this information prevents critical delays in care.

A Way to Share Updates Quickly with Everyone Who Cares

Whether it is other family members, paid caregivers, or doctors, having a shared source of truth for care plans helps avoid mixed messages, duplicated tests, and conflicting advice.

Care planning before a health crisis does not mean expecting the worst. It means giving your family a foundation so that if health needs change, you are not starting from zero.

Caregiving Is a Growing Reality for Many Families

Health care has become more complex, especially in the context of chronic illness and aging. According to the Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 report, the number of family caregivers has grown substantially in recent years, with many providing intensive care involving medical tasks that previously would have required clinical support.

Caregiving, even when approached with love and dedication, can affect physical and mental health. Research shows that caregivers often report high levels of stress, fatigue, and emotional burden, and are at risk for poorer health outcomes themselves.

Families often take on caregiving roles without realizing it, and many do not identify themselves as caregivers until they are well into that role. This can delay accessing support, training, and planning resources that could make the journey easier.

How Organization Makes a Real Difference

Health care fragmentation is a well-documented problem in clinical research. When information is scattered across providers, medical records, and silos, patients and families experience duplicated tests, conflicting care instructions, and increased safety risks.

Care coordination means that all parts of a person’s health story — medications, provider notes, emergency contacts, treatment history, and care priorities — are accessible and aligned. Research shows that care coordination improves communication, enhances safety, and supports continuity of care for people with complex needs.

Families who organize this information early are often better equipped to:

Explain health history without confusion
Reduce time spent repeating details at appointments
Spot patterns or changes in symptoms
Improve shared decision-making with care partners

Simple Elements That Make a Big Difference

Here are some key data and information categories that support preparedness:

Medication records: A complete list including prescriptions, vitamins, supplements, and allergies.
Provider contacts: Names, phone numbers, specialties, and clinic locations in one central place.
Emergency contacts and legal documents: Contacts for loved ones, insurance numbers, advance directives, and durable powers of attorney.
Care History: Previous diagnoses, hospitalizations, lab results, imaging, and consultation notes.
Care Goals and Preferences: Personal care priorities, comfort preferences, and lifestyle considerations.

This information organized in a single, structured place helps families and caregivers act more confidently when time is limited.

What the Data Says About Preparedness and Health Outcomes

Better care coordination is linked to improved outcomes. When care teams, families, and patients share consistent information, there is:

Reduced duplication of services
Fewer communication errors
Greater alignment with patient goals
Better transitions between care settings such as hospital to home
Reduced safety risks

These improvements contribute to higher satisfaction, greater continuity of care, and often lower overall health care costs.

Closing Note

Families do not have to wait for a crisis to become caregivers by accident. Being proactive about care information and communication helps create confidence and clarity when it matters most.

New Year planning is a perfect opportunity to review your care priorities, gather critical information, and set up systems that help you stay organized throughout the year.