Emergency Planning for Carers – Prepare for Unexpected Situations
Caring for someone is a big responsibility, and it’s natural to worry about what would happen if you were suddenly unable to provide care. Having an emergency plan in place can give you peace of mind and ensure the person you care for is supported when you can’t be there.
Why Emergency Planning Matters
Life is unpredictable. Illness, accidents, or unexpected events can happen at any time. By planning ahead, you make sure your loved one isn’t left without help and that professionals know exactly what to do.
Step 1: Apply for a Carers Emergency Card
The Carers Emergency Card is your first line of protection. It identifies you as a carer and provides a 24-hour emergency contact number.
We promote the use of Carers Emergency Cards in Bristol and South Gloucestershire and receive and process applications on behalf of South Gloucestershire Council.
More information on Carers Emergency Cards
Step 2: Nominate Emergency Contacts
Choose two trusted people who can step in if you’re unavailable. Make sure they:
- Understand the person’s needs and routines.
- Have access to keys and medication.
- Know how to reach professionals if necessary.
Step 3: Create an Emergency Plan
Being ready for an emergency can give you peace of mind and make sure the person you care for continues to receive the support they need. An emergency plan sets out clear steps for others to follow if you are suddenly unable to provide care.
Key Information to Include
Start with the Most Important Information - at the very top of your plan, state in bold and capital letters if:
THE CARED FOR PERSON MUST NOT BE LEFT ALONE IN THE HOUSE
This is essential for anyone stepping in to provide care, especially if the person has cognitive impairments or mobility issues.
Write down essential details about your caring role and the person you look after, including:
- Contact details for family, friends, your GP, and any social worker
- A list of current medications and clear care instructions
- Notes about essential items, such as an overnight bag or spare keys
Keep Copies Somewhere Safe
Keep copies of your plan:
- At home in an easy-to-find place. For example, some carers keep it near the front door so it’s visible to anyone entering.
- With your emergency contacts
- On your phone or in your wallet
What to Include in Your Carer’s Emergency Plan
Your plan should cover:
- Basic Details
Name, address, phone numbers, and email for both the person cared for and the carer. - Emergency Contacts
Who to contact in an emergency, who holds a key, and any key safe code. - Care Routine
Describe what you do as the main carer, including daily routines and timings (e.g., morning, afternoon, evening, overnight). This is crucial for continuity of care. - Health Information
Medication and ongoing treatments
GP and pharmacy details
Allergies
Mobility and continence needsBehavioural considerations and emotional support needs - Dietary Preferences
What the person likes and dislikes, plus any dietary restrictions. - Additional Services
Details of statutory or voluntary services involved, plus other professionals (dentist, chiropodist, hairdresser). - Legal Information
Whether you have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for Health and Welfare.
Talk About the Plan
Discuss the plan with the person you care for so they know what it contains and feel involved in preparing it. They may suggest things you have not considered.
Helpful Resources
Preparing a Hospital Bag
Alongside your plan, prepare a hospital bag for the person you care for. Include essentials for an overnight stay such as nightwear, toiletries, medication, and a copy of the emergency plan. You may also wish to pack one for yourself.
Help, support and advice from our Hospital Carer Liaison Workers
Step 4: Understand Backup Support
If your contacts cannot help:
South Gloucestershire
The Rapid Response Team provides short-term, home-based care.
- The emergency rapid response service can be contacted on 01454 615047 between 8 am and 10:15 pm
- Outside these times, if you are experiencing a social care emergency that cannot wait until the next working day you should contact the Emergency Duty Team on 01454 615165.
- The rapid response service is chargeable after the first 72 hours.
Bristol
Care Direct arranges emergency care.
- Telephone: 0117 922 2700
- Email: [email protected]
- Online referral form
Step 5: Share and Review Regularly
Share the plan with trusted family members, friends, neighbours, and any health or social care professionals involved.
Review and update it regularly — especially when medication, contact details, or appointments change.
Care needs can change quickly. While some guidance suggests reviewing every 6–12 months, many carers find updates every 4–6 weeks more realistic.
Remember: Planning ahead isn’t just practical—it’s reassuring. It means you can care with confidence, knowing there’s a safety net in place.
Other Resources for Emergency Planning
Alongside your own emergency plan, there are several helpful schemes and tools available locally and nationally that can make sure the person you care for is protected if something unexpected happens.
Dementia Safeguarding Scheme
If you care for someone living with dementia, the Dementia Safeguarding Scheme from Avon and Somerset Police is well worth considering.
The scheme allows you to securely upload essential information about the person you care for so it can be used if they go missing. With over 40,000 people with dementia reported missing in the UK each year, this simple step could make a real difference in ensuring your loved one’s safe and quick return.
As part of the scheme, you can request a wearable wristband, hangtag or lanyard with a glow-in-the-dark card. These items hold electronic information such as the person’s name and next of kin details, which can be scanned by emergency services if the individual is found. Please note that these devices are available only for those with dementia and not for other medical conditions.
Register for the Dementia Safeguarding Scheme
You can also use the same link if you are already registered and need to update your details or report a change in circumstances.
Lions Clubs’ Message in a Bottle
The Lions Clubs’ Message in a Bottle scheme is a simple but effective way to make personal and medical details easily available to emergency services.
Participants complete a short form with key medical and contact details, which is stored inside a distinctive green bottle kept in the fridge – a common and easily recognised location for emergency responders. Two stickers are included: one for the fridge door and one for inside your front door, letting emergency staff know where to find the information quickly.
This small step can save valuable time in an emergency, ensuring that paramedics or other responders immediately know about allergies, medications, or conditions that could affect care.
You can obtain a Message in a Bottle kit by contacting your local Lions Club:
- Telephone: 0121 441 4544
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.lionsclubs.co
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