Planning for emergencies
As a carer, it's important to prepare for unexpected situations where you might not be able to provide care. Emergencies can include sudden illness, accidents, or other unforeseen events.
Planning helps ensure the person you care for continues to receive the support they need, even in your absence.
The Carers Emergency Alert Card Scheme
This scheme is a vital tool for carers in an emergency. If you're incapacitated, this card makes sure NHS staff are aware of your responsibilities and can take appropriate action to ensure the continuity of care for the person you look after.
The card gives a 24 hours, 7 days a week contact telephone number and unique ID code that links to a call centre. Calling this alerts an emergency response team who respond by arranging immediate care for the vulnerable person. This service allows you, the carer, to pre-select the alternative options for the emergency care provision.
You do not need to have taken a carers assessment to get an alert card.
Benefits of the emergency alert card
The alert card can help:
- the emergency services, Kingston, GP and other authorities recognise your role as a carer
- start your emergency care plan for the person you care for in your absence
How to register for the emergency alert card
To apply you will need to be a carer in the Royal Borough of Kingston who provides regular, unpaid support to someone due to their illness, disability, mental health condition, or an older person needing care.
What you will need
You will need to provide:
- personal details including your name and contact information
- details about the person you care for living in Kingston, including their name, contact information, and any special care requirements
- information about your caring situation, such as the hours you provide care and any support you receive
- information regarding any professional support the person you care for currently receives such as a social worker or care agency
Apply for the alert card
If you want to nominate a temporary carer in your absence
You can also use the alert card form to request a plan of care form. The plan of care form allows you to nominate a family member, neighbour, or someone you trust as a substitute carer in your absence.
When you get the plan of care form
As the carer, you should fill out the plan of care with necessary care information about the person you care for. After completing it, hand it over to your nominated person to make sure they are informed and prepared to take over if you become unavailable for any reason.
After you apply
You will receive a confirmation of your application. Kingston will review your application and may contact you for further information.
If your application is successful, you will receive your Carers’ Emergency Alert card.
Updating or cancelling the emergency alert card
If there are any changes to your circumstances, such as updates to your details or you would like to cancel a card inform us as soon as possible.
Send us an email with the subject line: ‘Carers Emergency Alert Card’ to businesssupport.asc@kingston.gov.uk or call us on 020 8547 5005.
Take a care assessment to get personalised care plans
If you have not done so already, contact Kingston Carers; Network (KCN) to find out if you need a care needs assessment. You can reach them by phone at 020 3031 2757 or by email at admin@kingstoncarers.org.uk. KCN conducts needs assessments on behalf of Kingston to understand the requirements of both you and the person you care for.
This assessment will help create a personalised care plan, which should include:
- emergency contacts
- specific care requirements
- details of daily routines and medication
Home emergency planning
Prepare your home for emergencies by considering:
- fire safety measures and evacuation plans
- arrangements for alternative accommodation if needed
- essential personal items and necessities for a sudden evacuation
- care plans for pets during emergencies
Additional support services and resources
Kingston, through Kingston Carers' Network (KCN) offers a range of support services for carers, including:
- counselling and mental health support
- financial advice and assistance
- health and wellness programmes
- links to healthcare and other essential services