Do you support someone? What would happen if you got caught in an emergency situation? Do you have a contingency plan in place? 

If you support someone, it is worth thinking about what would happen if you were suddenly unable to provide care because of illness, an accident or another emergency.

Having a plan in place can bring real peace of mind for both you and the person you support.

What a contingency plan is

A contingency plan sets out the important information someone would need if they had to step in and provide support at short notice. This might include emergency contact details, information about medical conditions and medication, daily routines, communication needs, and details of any professionals, family members or services involved in the person’s care.

Having this information written down can help ensure the person you support continues to receive the right care if the unexpected happens.

You can download a copy of our Contingency Plan here.

The Carers Emergency Scheme

Gloucestershire’s Carers Emergency Scheme helps carers plan ahead for unforeseen emergencies. If you are unexpectedly unable to provide care, the scheme can arrange short-term emergency support for the person you care for while longer-term arrangements are considered. 

Putting a plan together

Our team can help you think through the practical arrangements, identify the information that should be included, and put your contingency plan in writing.

We can also talk you through the Carers Emergency Scheme and help you decide whether it is appropriate for your situation, giving you greater confidence that support would be available in an emergency.