List for children if parent gets sick

[How2Help]

I am trying to help a friend write a list for her children in case she gets sick.

They are 11 and 9. So far I have:

• phone an adult (me!) with a note of my number.
• do not use oven or kettle.
• wash their hands lots!

I plan that I will then phone her and make a plan depending on how sick she is. If she is too sick to care for them or needs hospital I will go and stay.

What else can I add to the list. I guess the main thing is to get them to phone me so I can assess and make a plan.

I don’t know whether to add anything about 999 if she can’t breathe. Highly unlikely to happen (she has no underlying conditions), and I don’t want to terrify them.

She is following all the rules so hopefully will be ok, but she is scared so I’m just trying to do something so she knows they will be ok.

There is no Dad.

Do they have a thermometer they can use?

Do they know how to phone 999?

My 5 year old knows how to contact emergency services. She know where the spare key is so she can go to a neighbours house for help.

She can prepare toast, sandwiches and cereal so she’s doesn’t starve. She’s had to do this before when I was very sick. Kids adapt really well.

Thanks everyone.

Yes she has a thermometer but they probably don’t know how to use it. That can be sorted.

I have no idea about 999, but if your 5 year old knows that’s good. Thinking about it, they should probably know for everyday life anyway. I’ll add to the list of things to check and put the number as a reminder on the sheet.

They definitely know where the spare key is.

Thank you xx

What I have also done for DS who is admittedly older is to put some food that is easy to eat in a box which is easy to get to. So he has enough food for a week or so. Not healthy food but he won't go hungry. So microwave rice,.crackers, those camping type pouches you can mix with water or heat up. He can do this for himself

Oh yes, that is a great idea for the box of food for this scenario.

Break down some of the steps, we all panic and get flappy so make the instructions really clear and basic.

Food in a box is a good idea.
Remind them to FaceTime someone if they need help a calm friendly face can be very comforting.

I've given my DD a list with my full name, address, postcode, date of birth and the medication I take. In case she needs to call an ambulance.

These are great, thank you. Address and dob crucial yes!

my kids are teenagers but I have left a list of important numbers and some cash in case we both became ill.