Caregiver-Related Risks

A checklist to identify and plan around risks when a caregiver is involved.

Caregiver-Related Risks

Overview

This checklist focuses on safety and reliability issues that can come up when a partner, family member, or another person controls or heavily manages caregiving tasks. It is designed to help identify practical risks and plan options.

Medication Access

Consider how medications are stored, managed, and controlled.

• Who currently keeps physical control of your medications (including refills and over-the-counter items)?
• Can you access all prescribed medications when you need them?
• Has anyone ever:
  • Hidden, delayed, or withheld medications?
  • Given you different doses than what was prescribed?
  • Disposed of or “lost” medications?
  • Insisted on being present every time you take medication?
• Do you have a record of:
  • Medication names
  • Doses
  • Prescribing providers and clinics
  • Pharmacy contact details
• Are medication instructions written down somewhere you can access?
• Do you have any backup options if your usual caregiver is not available (for example, pre-filled pill organizers, reminders on your phone, or another trusted support person)?
• Would it be safer for you if:
  • Medications were stored in more than one location?
  • You kept a small, discreet backup supply where permitted?
  • Pharmacy notifications (texts, apps) went directly to you?

Transportation

Consider how you get to appointments, work, school, and other key places.

• Who usually arranges and controls transportation (car keys, rides, payment, scheduling)?
• Has anyone ever:
  • Refused to take you to appointments or taken you late?
  • Insisted on being in the room for all visits and conversations?
  • Cancelled rides or bookings without telling you?
• Do you have:
  • Access to any personal transportation options (vehicle, mobility device, bike, etc.)?
  • Contact details for alternative transport (ride services, paratransit, public transit information)?
  • Numbers for any neighbors, coworkers, or community contacts who might occasionally help with rides?
• Do you know:
  • How to schedule or cancel your own appointments?
  • The locations and routes to key places you use often (clinic, pharmacy, workplace, school)?
• Would it reduce risk if:
  • Appointment reminders went directly to you?
  • You kept a written list of common routes and transport options?
  • You had a small cash reserve or prepaid card for unexpected rides?

Communication

Look at who controls your communication with providers, services, and support people.

• Who usually:
  • Makes or answers calls related to your health, benefits, or services?
  • Controls your phone, email, or online accounts?
  • Translates or interprets for you (if you use a different language or communication method)?
• Has anyone ever:
  • Spoken for you when you wanted to speak directly?
  • Given providers information you did not agree with?
  • Listened in on private calls without consent?
  • Read or deleted your messages?
• Do you have:
  • A phone or communication device you can use privately?
  • Your own passwords for important accounts (email, patient portals, benefits portals)?
  • Contact lists saved in more than one place (phone and paper backup)?
• If you use interpreters, assistive devices, or other communication aids:
  • Can you request independent interpreters or communication support?
  • Is there any way someone blocks your access to these supports?
• Would it be useful to:
  • Ask providers to speak with you alone for a portion of each visit?
  • Keep a personal record of questions and symptoms to share directly?
  • Store key numbers and phrases in a note for quick access (including how to ask for an interpreter or accessibility support)?

Emergency Preparation

Review what would happen if your main caregiver was unavailable or uncooperative during an urgent situation.

• Do you know:
  • How to reach local urgent medical care or after-hours advice (clinic, nurse line, telehealth)?
  • What information providers usually ask for (medications, allergies, diagnoses, devices used)?
  • Which hospital or urgent care you typically use?
• Do you have:
  • A written list of:
    • Current medications and doses
    • Allergies and important medical conditions
    • Assistive devices or supports you rely on
  • Copies of key documents stored in more than one place (ID, insurance cards, service cards)?
  • Contact information for at least one backup support person or service?
• In an emergency, could anyone:
  • Prevent you from leaving or calling for help?
  • Control your wheelchair, vehicle, or other mobility devices?
  • Withhold items you need to travel (cane, hearing aids, glasses, chargers)?
• Would it lower risk to:
  • Keep basic supplies in a small, easy-to-grab bag (medication list, copies of documents, spare device chargers)?
  • Store an extra set of keys, mobility aids, or low-cost backups where someone else cannot access them easily?
  • Write down a simple emergency plan (who to call, where to go, what to take) in clear steps?
• Have you reviewed how your needs would be met if:
  • You had to stay somewhere else temporarily?
  • Your usual caregiver could not or would not assist with care tasks?

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