Plan for emergencies and changes
Why planning matters
Sometimes you may be unable to provide care (for example, if you are unwell or need to go into hospital). A simple contingency plan can reduce worry and help others step in quickly.
Top tips
Be prepared
- Talk to family, friends and, where appropriate, the person you care for
- Write down your plan and keep it somewhere easy to find
Include these details
- Name, address and key contacts for the person you care for
- Who to contact in an emergency (family, friends, professionals)
- Medication details and how to access it
- Any ongoing treatment or care and useful daily routines
Get support to make your plan
- Staffordshire Together for Carers can help you create a contingency plan: 0300 303 0621
- Carers UK – Planning for emergencies has practical ideas and templates
Local schemes that can help
- Lions Club “Message in a Bottle” – stores vital information in the person’s home for emergency services (Tel: 0121 441 4544)
- My Wishes – record and share future health and care preferences
If it becomes an emergency
- Mon–Fri 9am–5pm: Staffordshire Cares
Call 0300 111 8010 - Evenings/weekends/bank holidays: Emergency Duty Team
Call 0345 604 2886
