Carers' emergency planning
Have you ever worried about what would happen if you suddenly couldn't be there for the person you care for?
It’s important for all carers to make emergency / contingency plans with the person they care for, ahead of an actual emergency. A good, well thought-out emergency plan will give you and the person you care for peace of mind, knowing that family, friends or a care provider will be able to step in if an emergency happens.
Things to think about when creating your emergency plan are:
- Details of the name and address and any other contact details of the person you look after
- Who you and the person you look after would like to be contacted in an emergency – this might include friends, family or professionals
- Details of any ongoing routines they follow
- Details of any medication the person you look after is taking
- Details of any ongoing treatment they need
- Details of any medical appointments they need to keep
Remember to give a copy of the emergency plan to anyone listed as an emergency contact, and keep a copy at the cared-for person’s home where someone else is likely to find it.
The plan is a live document and needs updating regularly to make sure anyone going in knows what to do.
More information can be found at Carers UK Planning for Emergencies. This gives examples of different sources of support that can strengthen your plan, such as drawing on networks of community and family support and the technology that can be used to support someone you look after.
To make an emergency plan, download a copy to complete.
Please contact our First Point of Contact team: 0345 678 9044 during office hours, or the Emergency Duty team: 0345 678 9040 out of office hours if further support is required.