Emergency care planning
When you care for somebody who depends on you, putting your life on hold while you deal with sudden illness, accidents, family troubles or emergencies may not be an option. Having a plan in place can ease worry and stress when unforeseen events do occur.
Emergency care plans
An Emergency Care Plan is a document that provides instructions and guidance to allow someone else to step in and provide the care which you would normally provide. This provides reassurance the person you care for will receive the support they need should anything happen to you.
The Carer Gateway Emergency Care Plan Template has been created specifically for carers.
Create your plan
Your Emergency Care Plan will capture the contact details of people who have agreed to fill in for you in an emergency. It will also include instructions on the care and support they may need to provide.
The plan helps you record health information about the person you care for, their medications, the care they need, and a list of the regular support services they receive. You can also include expectations you have for the person who steps into the caring role.
Helpful tips:
- Talk to the person you care for and include them in planning where possible
- Think about the best people to stand in for your caring responsibilities
- Ask if they are prepared to act as emergency contacts
- Be sure the people you choose accept the level of commitment they are taking on and understand and are comfortable with the tasks they might need to perform
- Confirm the details about the person you are caring for are correct by checking with the person’s doctor, pharmacist, and service providers
- Give a copy of your plan to each of your emergency contacts
- Keep the original in a safe but visible place, like the top of the fridge
- Update your plan every year or sooner if there are significant changes to your caring situation, the person’s needs or your emergency contacts.
