Planning for an emergency
As a carer you are always thinking of someone else and it might help your peace of mind to have thought about a few 'what if' situations and put in place practical steps to deal with what may arise. What if:
- you are unavoidably detained and will be late home?
- you become ill or have an accident and need to go to hospital?
- the person you care for can no longer be left alone?
- the person you care for falls out of bed in the middle of the night?
Planning for events may help you to be less stressed.
Think about who you could ask to have your house key and you would feel confident would be able to follow your instructions.
Make an arrangement with a neighbour who would not mind being disturbed, even in the night to help.
You could put the telephone numbers of the person or people who hold your key into your mobile phone if you have one and ensure they do not mind helping you out in an emergency.
Leave useful information in a safe, but easily retrieved place in the house such as:
- a list of useful contact numbers including professionals who deal with the person you care for, such as the GP, care manager and include the number of a day centre they may attend.
- a list of people who could be called upon in an emergency to help, shopping, errands or even with the task of walking the dog!
- a clear guide to what medication they take and when.
- an outline of your routine to reduce anxiety caused by changes could be minimised.
Other useful ideas:
- Stock up with easy food – if shopping is difficult you would not have to worry for a few days
- Keep the car with sufficient fuel to cover a crisis where you might need to make several unplanned journeys
- In the same way, if you have oil-fuelled heating try to ensure that you top up regularly
- Keep a small supply of money to hand so you could ask a neighbour to go to the post office/shops for you
Alternative care
Discuss arrangements for the person you care for to have residential care or care at home should you yourself be unwell. See Taking a Break and Holidays.
Emergency Card
Order an Emergency Card from Carers UK. Carers carry a small card saying they are a carer and giving two telephone numbers to call to ensure that alternative carers are contacted. For more information call 020 7607 9080.
Oxfordshire Message in a Bottle Scheme
Run by the Lions club. Personal information is kept in a bottle, including details of medication and who to contact in an emergency. The bottle is kept in the person at risk’s home – a label alerts emergency services that someone is part of the scheme. The scheme is free. Bottles can be obtained from health centres, chemists, neighbourhood watch centres and carers' centres
Community Alarm Services
Local support
- Oxfordshire County Council:
If you need help and advice about social care needs call Oxfordshire County Council's Access to Information and Services team at 0845 050 7666. Staff will help you to contact the services you need. Hours are: Monday to Thursday, 8.30 am to 5pm; Friday, 8.30 am to 4pm.
You can also write to:
Oxfordshire County Council
PO Box 221
Kidlington Delivery Office,
Oxford,
OX5 1YD
Fax: 01865 854443
access@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Out of hours emergency number: 0800 833408 (freephone)
National organisations
Printable page
