Emergencies

See our handy tips about ICE, emergency cards, time off in an emergency and telecare - to help you deal with any emergencies that happen and affect you as a carer.

Here are some handy tips to help you deal with any emergencies that happen:

• Get in touch with your local carer service to see if there is an emergency card scheme in your area.
• Add an ICE (In Case of Emergency) number to your phone - add the phone number of the person you would like to be called in an emergency and save their details under ICE in your contacts.
• Find out about time off in an emergency.
• See if sensors that can tell if the person you care for has fallen or wandered out of the house might help.  Find out more about telecare.
• Make sure you have a carer's assessment and ask about emergency planning.
• The British Red Cross offers support and care to help people live independently at home when they return after a stay in hospital.

Make a list of emergency numbers

Stick a list of emergency numbers to your fridge so you have them to hand if you need them in a rush. 

Make sure they include phone numbers for:

• GPs, including out of hours numbers.
• Local councils (social services), including out of hours numbers.
• Emergency card schemes (if you are registered).

Other people (friends and family) who might be able to help.