Emergency Information Guide for Older Australians

EMERGENCY INFORMATION ORGANISATION

2 min read

Taking Charge: Your Life, Your Decisions

This guide helps you gather and organise important information so the people you trust can help you when it matters most. It's about staying in control and making things easier for everyone.

When you prepare now, you:

  • Remove worry and guesswork for yourself and your family

  • Make sure people know exactly what you want

  • Keep your independence and peace of mind

This guide is for:

  • Older Australians who want to stay independent

  • Family members, attorneys, or trusted friends helping with planning

  • Anyone wanting to spare their loved ones from unnecessary stress

Why Organise Emergency Information?

When information is clear and ready:

  • Family, carers, and medical staff can help you quickly and confidently

  • Everyone avoids confusion and delays during stressful times

  • Your health, legal, financial and personal wishes are respected

  • You maintain control, dignity and safety

Who Needs This Information?

Share your emergency information with:

  • Your main emergency contacts (family, close friends, carers)

  • Your doctor and other healthcare providers

  • Your lawyer and financial adviser

  • Emergency services (when relevant)

  • Trusted neighbours or community members

How to Share Your Information Effectively

Make It Easy to Find

  • Keep printed copies somewhere safe but accessible

  • Save digital versions securely (password-protected files or trusted cloud storage)

  • Use bright folders or coloured tabs for urgent sections (like emergency contacts)

Have the Conversation

  • Talk when everyone feels relaxed and has time

  • Choose a quiet, private space

  • Revisit the conversation regularly as things change

Cover the Essentials

  • Who to contact first and what they should know

  • Medical information: allergies, conditions, current medications

  • Where to find legal and financial documents

  • Location of keys, valuables, and important items

  • Plans for pets and household needs

Keep It Simple

  • Use family text groups or email threads

  • Create printed emergency cards or wall charts for your home

  • Save emergency contacts in your mobile phone with clear labels

Practical Steps to Get Organised

  • Update your emergency contacts with current phone numbers and addresses

  • Keep a medical summary listing all medications, doses, allergies and conditions

  • Locate key legal documents: Will, Power of Attorney, Advance Care Directive (note where they're kept)

  • Prepare a hospital go-bag with documents, toiletries, medications, and comfort items

  • Arrange pet care and tell your contacts about the plan

  • Review everything once a year or whenever something significant changes

Helpful Australian Resources

Disclaimer: This guide contains general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always seek professional advice for your specific situation.

Join Our Mailing List

We'll be adding more resources and creating new features and tools based on your needs. Join our mailing list to stay up to date and receive introductory offers.