Crisis Readiness Self-Assessment

01

Your People Network

If you were hospitalized tonight, is there one person who would automatically know and take charge? Critical

Yes — a specific person, and they know they're that person Sort of — there are people in my life but no clear point person I'm part of a faith community — my pastor, minister, or spiritual teacher might be the right person, but I haven't asked Not really — I'd have to rely on whoever happened to find out I don't have family or friends who can do this — I need another option Paid support available

Does anyone know where your key documents are — will, powers of attorney, insurance? Critical

Yes, and I've told them directly They could probably figure it out, but we've never talked about it No — that information lives only in my head

Is there someone who could manage things on your behalf over weeks or months — following up with doctors, handling mail and bills, keeping family or friends informed, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks? Extended

Yes — that person exists and we've talked about it Maybe — someone comes to mind but it's never been discussed No — I don't have a clear answer to that

02

Legal Documents

Do you have a Durable Power of Attorney for healthcare naming someone you trust? Critical

Yes — signed, current, and the person knows they're named I have a document but I'm not sure it's current or the person is aware No — I've been meaning to do this

Do you have a Durable Power of Attorney for finances — so someone can pay your bills and manage accounts if you can't? Important

Yes — in place and the person has access or knows what to do I have a document but haven't fully set it up with the person No

Do you have an advance directive or POLST that states your treatment wishes? Critical

Yes — on file with my doctor and findable at home I have something but I'm not sure it's accessible in an emergency No

Is there a current will or trust in place? Extended

Yes — reviewed within the last 5 years Yes, but it's been a while and life has changed No will or trust exists

03

Medical Information

Is there a current medication list that emergency responders or hospital staff could find quickly? Critical

Yes — wallet card, phone note, or visible location at home Someone knows my medications but it's not written down anywhere findable No — that information isn't organized or accessible

Are your health insurance cards and coverage information accessible to someone other than you? Critical

Yes — physical cards plus a trusted person knows where they are Cards exist but no one else knows where or how to use them I'd have to think hard about where they are myself

Are your primary care provider and key specialists identified and reachable by someone acting on your behalf? Important

Yes — name, practice, and phone number written down somewhere findable I know who they are but that information isn't organized for anyone else I don't have a regular provider or this is genuinely unclear

04

Home & Daily Life

Does a trusted person have a key to your home and know they're the one to call? Critical

Yes — key held, person knows their role Someone could get a key but it would take time and coordination No key arrangement exists

Do you have animals, and is there a backup caregiver with instructions if you can't be there? Critical

Yes — a named person, they know what to do, vet contact included I have animals and someone could step in, but it's not arranged or clearly communicated I have animals and no backup plan in place I don't have animals

Could your recurring bills — utilities, rent/mortgage, insurance — be paid without your direct action for several weeks? Important

Yes — autopay in place or someone has access to handle it Some are autopay but others would lapse without me No — most things require my active involvement to get paid

05

Financial Continuity

Do you have savings or income protection that could cover 1–3 months without earned income? Important

Yes — emergency savings, disability coverage, or another bridge in place Partially — maybe 2–4 weeks, then it gets difficult No — a week without income would create real hardship

Is there a plan for your work or business if you're out for a month or more? Important

Yes — clients or an employer can be notified, obligations can pause or be covered Partially — I could probably manage communication but nothing is formally arranged I'm self-employed or have active clients and no continuity plan in place I'm retired — this doesn't apply to me I'm an employee and my employer would handle coverage — this isn't something I need to arrange

Do your investment or retirement accounts have current, correct beneficiary designations? Extended

Yes — reviewed within the last 3 years and still accurate They were set up at some point but I haven't reviewed them recently I'm not sure, or they've never been set

06

Digital Access

Can a trusted person access your phone if you can't unlock it yourself? Critical

Yes — they know the PIN or have another access method They could probably find a way but it's not set up No — my phone is only accessible by me

Can someone you trust access your email and important online accounts in an emergency? Important

Yes — password manager access or written master list held securely by someone trusted Some accounts, but not all — email especially might be locked out No — my digital accounts are only accessible by me

Have you set up a Legacy Contact (Apple) or Inactive Account Manager (Google) for your devices and accounts? Extended

Yes — configured in my device settings I've heard of it but haven't done it No and I didn't know that was a thing

07

Recovery Planning

Has someone close to you heard your wishes about care, recovery, and what matters most to you — beyond just what's in a document? Extended

Yes — we've had that conversation explicitly They know my general values but we've never talked specifics No — no one knows how I'd want decisions made on my behalf

Is there someone who would advocate for you at hospital discharge — to make sure the plan is safe and appropriate? Important

Yes — a person who is both capable and willing to do this Probably someone, but they're not prepared or specifically designated No — I'd likely navigate that alone or rely on whoever is available

Could your home accommodate temporary mobility limitations — or have you thought about where you'd recover if it couldn't? Extended

Yes — home is accessible or I have a backup plan My home has limitations but I haven't thought through alternatives My home would be difficult and I have no alternative in mind