Emergency Care Planning
If you could not provide the care you usually do, would someone else be able to step in quickly and safely?
An emergency care plan helps make sure the person you care for is looked after if you are suddenly unwell, delayed, or unavailable.
What is an emergency care plan?
An emergency care plan is a simple record of important information about the person you care for. It helps others understand their needs and routines so they can take over care with confidence.
An emergency care plan includes:
- Your name and contact details
- The cared-for person’s:
- Full name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Medical conditions and GP details
- Medication, including how and when it is taken
- Daily routines
- Support needs, including:
- Mobility
- Eating and drinking
- Toileting and hygiene
- Communication
- Any important legal documents and where to find them
Why an emergency care plan is important
Having a completed and up-to-date emergency care plan can give you peace of mind. It means the person you care for can still receive the right care even when you cannot be there.
Where to keep your emergency care plan
Make sure the plan is easy to find and that key people know where it is kept. Good places to store a completed plan include:
In a clear, visible place at home, such as:
- On the fridge
- By the front door
- In a clearly labelled folder
Shared with trusted people, for example:
- Family members
- Close friends
- Neighbours
- GP
- Social work team
- Home care provider
- School or college, if relevant
Stored securely online, such as:
- A medical alert app or system
- Cloud storage with a shared link or QR code
Creating your emergency care plan
We have created a simple emergency care plan template to help you get started. You can download and fill it in electronically, or print it and complete it by hand. You can also adapt the template if you need a more personalised plan for you and your family.
Please note: If completing electronically, you may need to save a copy of the document before you can edit it.
Keeping your plan up to date
For an emergency care plan to work well, the information must be current.
We recommend:
- Reviewing the plan every six months
- Updating it sooner if the person’s needs or circumstances change
There is space at the end of the template to write the next review date. Adding a reminder to your calendar can help ensure the plan stays up to date.
Need help?
If you would like support to complete your emergency care plan, please contact us at the Centre. A member of the team will be happy to help.