What is the Carers Emergency Scheme (CES)?
Do you support someone? What would happen if you got caught in an emergency situation? Do you have a contingency plan in place?
The Gloucestershire Carers Hub recognises the importance of contingency planning for Carers and we have the Carers Emergency Scheme to address emergency situations that may arise.
The Carers Emergency Scheme is designed to provide support and assistance to you during times of crisis. It ensures that you as a Carer have a contingency plan in place, allowing you to have peace of mind knowing that the person you support will be cared for in emergency situations when you are unable to fulfil your caring responsibilities.
Under this scheme, we encourage everyone to register and create an emergency plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan includes details about the person you support, their specific care requirements, and relevant contact information. Carers also identify one or more emergency contacts who can step in and provide care temporarily.
There are two levels of the scheme:
Level One
Is available to all of our Carers. It allows you to nominate people to be contacted in an emergency. Those contacts must be able to step into your caring role in your absence.
Level Two
This level provides free support from experienced care workers for up to 48 hours. This allows family or adult social care to put provision in place. This is for Carers of those who are 18 years old plus and have no support network and where the person who is supported could not be left on their own. **There are certain situations which can not be covered but we will work with you to ensure an appropriate contingency plan is developed**
In the event of an emergency, Carers can activate their emergency plan by contacting the number on their card. The call centre then coordinates with the identified emergency contacts to ensure the person you support receives appropriate care and support.
The Carers Emergency Scheme offers Carers peace of mind, knowing that a contingency plan is in place to address unexpected situations. It aims to alleviate the stress and worry associated with emergencies, allowing Carers to focus on their own well-being and handle the crisis at hand.
If you would like to know more:
Call 0300 111 9000 or email: Carers@peopleplus.co.uk
If the Carers Emergency Scheme isn’t something you require, we can talk to you about various alternatives which could be put in place to suit you.
What happens in an emergency?
In an emergency phone the emergency helpline, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The helpline will get in touch with the family members or friends you have nominated or if you were unable to nominate anyone, a care worker will be provided to support the person that you care for.
The service will be provided for up to 48 hours. If you need ongoing support the scheme will help in making other arrangements.
Level One
This is for Carers who have family, friends or neighbours willing to provide care and support at short notice. To register, you can fill out a form which includes the contact details of your nominated emergency contacts. Once your form is registered you receive an enrolment card with your registration number and contact number for the helpline. When you ring that number, the service will alert your nominated contacts to the emergency. Please note that anyone you nominate must be able to access your property.
Level 2
This is for carers who do not have anyone to step in at short notice. In an emergency, the person you care for will receive support from care workers for up to 48 hours (72 over a bank holiday). You’ll also get support to organise alternative arrangements at the end of the emergency period if necessary. To discuss registration, call us on 0300 111 9000. An adviser will explore whether there are other services that could help you in your caring role. They will check that the scheme will be able to meet the needs of the person you care for. Certain caring situations are not covered but we’ll work with you to identify alternatives.
What happens in an emergency?
In an emergency phone the emergency helpline, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The helpline will get in touch with the family members or friends you have nominated or if you were unable to nominate anyone, a support worker will be provided to support the person that you care for.
The service will be provided for up to 48 hours. If you need ongoing support the scheme will help in making other arrangements.