Keeping clear procedures and plans in place, even if they’re never used, can save valuable time and ease future concerns. Whether that is what to do in a medical emergency, a first aid emergency, or having Lasting Power of Attorney in place. There are a lot of things that we can have set up.
This page is full of links to ways on keeping safe and also has a variety of links that open into forms for you to complete. If you are going to complete the forms, talk about the plans with the person(s) you care for, and with those you would like to be named emergency contacts. It would be best practice to have them printed so they are on hand if you need them available to anyone providing care at any time. Let those that need to know where they can find the plans and make sure the information is regularly updated. However, as the plans do contain sensitive and private information, please ensure that they are somewhere safe to protect confidentiality.
Learning first aid together could be fun. Writing plans could be used as a reminiscence activity. It is also an opportunity to openly discuss what the future may hold. Most importantly, discussing the future ensures that everyone has the opportunity to have their wishes heard and documented.
*Providing these links does not mean that The Carers’ Support Service endorses the organisation. The Carers’ Support Service accepts no liability for any losses or damages caused by using these services. Please do you own research, be aware that other organisations are available and find the right provider/support for your needs
Crucial information easily accessible at home is a great idea, but we don’t spend all our lives at home!
To make this information more accessible, consider carrying a small wallet card stating you are a Carer and who should be contacted if you cannot provide care. The card could be kept in your wallet, glove box, or handbag. Ready-made support cards are also available through local organisations.
Another idea is to save emergency numbers in your mobile phone address book/contacts list under ‘ICE’ (In Case of Emergency). If you have more than one contact, label them as ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, etc.
Emergency services staff are trained to search for these contacts.
Being prepared is always best.
You never know when you need something.
Which? Have a useful guide on what your home First Aid kit should contain and how to source the items at a good price.
British Red Cross has a free downloadable first aid apps for your smart phone. Babies and/or adults first aid options available.
We regularly host free First Aid courses at The Carers’ Support Service for unpaid Carers. See our Caring Times Newsletter here, on our home page or see the What’s On Calendar for more information. Please note that these sessions are not accredited.
Write a utilities cut-off plan: Keep a note of how to turn off gas, water, and electricity in case of leaks or emergencies and put it somewhere safe.
Consider getting a Locking Cooker Valve. A safety device that helps individuals to retain their independence, and provides reassurance to family, friends and carers; as the caregiver can easily control when gas can and cannot be used.
Register for free with the Priority Services Register with Anglian Water for support with meter reading and receiving support. Support is available for a wide range of people: from those with sight, hearing, or mobility difficulties, to parents with babies under 12 months old. They offer a range of support, from reading your meter for you (if you find this difficult), to sending out bills in other formats.
For help with Water Emergencies, contact Anglian Water on the button below, or call 03457 145 145
They’re simple to use and can help you to stay safer and remain independent for longer. These potentially lifesaving devices can also offer peace of mind to family and friends.
There are a wide variety of personal alarms available and they work in different ways. Some are connected to 24/7 emergency response centres while others simply let out a loud noise to alert people nearby, or directly alert your family, carer or friends.
Which? offers advice and explains the different types of alarms and what to look for in the one you order.
Age UK has an online shop where you can purchase aids
There are also services available in North and North East Lincolnshire
More information can be found on the buttons below
NL Mental health crisis support: NL Mental health support or call 0800 804 8999
NEL Mental health Crisis support: I Need Help Now :: Navigo (navigocare.co.uk)
Mind: www.mind.org.uk | Call: 0300 123 3393
Samaritans: www.samaritans.org | Call: 116 123
Calm: www.thecalmzone.net | Call: 0800 58 58 58
Shout: www.giveusashout.org | Text: 85258
NHS 111: www.nhs.uk | Call: 111
Talking Therapies NHS : www.nhs.uk
Urgent Mental Health Helplines NHS : www.nhs.uk
NL Adult Social Services: 01724 297000
North Lincs Adult Social Services (out of hours): 01724 276444
NEL Focus, Single Point of Access (SPA): 01472 256256
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS)’s advice could help make your, and their jobs easier should the worst happen:
Ensure that the person you care for is registered with your local fire and rescue service if they have sight, hearing, mobility difficulties, or if they use oxygen. This will mean a fire crew is made aware of your circumstances in the event of an emergency.
If you have a text phone or minicom, you can contact the emergency services on 18000.
Make sure that the person you care for knows what to do in the event of a fire, practice an escape both in the light and dark and ensure their fire alarms work.
Or you can call 0300 303 8242 to book a free home check with Humberside Fire and Rescue
Carers Guide to Home Fire Safety Video (need to register) A Carers Guide to Home Fire Safety | London Fire Brigade
Nobody wants to have to pack a bag for the hospital in an emergency. Your mind just wont be able to think!
Having a hospital-ready bag prepared can save valuable time and reduce stress in an emergency. This is especially true if someone often needs to go to the hospital in an emergency.
Keep essential items, such as clothing, toiletries, medication lists, medical documents, and a few comfort items packed and ready to go. Being prepared ensures that both you and the person you care for have everything needed if a sudden hospital visit becomes necessary.
More information can be found on the Patients website, or specifically for older adults on the Carents website.
The Care Act 2014 supports carers and the cared-for person in emergencies. Part of the act covers protecting a person’s property, which includes pets. Therefore, local authorities must help facilitate emergency pet care in the case of an emergency, for example a hospital admission where there is no one to look after a pet. Costs are incurred to the individual, but facilitation can be supported by the local authority. Firstly they would check if you have any friends, family or neighbours that could care for the pet whilst you are unexpectedly in hospital before looking towards pet sitters/kennels etc.
Care for pets that either the owner can no longer care for, or outlives the owner you can contact The Cinnamon Trust who may be able to help.
It can be scary if you don’t have the money to cover essential costs.
To help you if you’re in this situation, below is a list of financial assistance and other types of support you may be able to get if you need cash urgently. This outlines a variety of grants, loans and emergency money.
*(Providing this link does not mean that The Carers’ Support Service endorses this organisation or any of the links within. The Carers’ Support Service accepts no liability for any losses or damages caused by using this service. Please do your own research, be aware that other organisations are available and find the right provider/resolution for your needs)
Jointly is a mobile and app (application) that has been created by Carers UK – working with carers for carers. It is designed to make caring a little easier, less stressful and more organised.
It combines group messaging and to-do lists with other features that are useful for you in your caring role such as medication lists, a calendar and more. For example, Jointly can now connect to health and care devices to share information with your circle. Therefore it can ensure that everyone in the care circle knows what the others are doing.
The app has a one off payment of £2.99 per Cared for person, then you can add your circle of Carers.
Alternatively the person you care for can download the NHS Healthcare app that stores health records securely. You can download it for yourself too. It’s a useful way to remember what appointments you have coming up, reorder prescriptions and see your own personal medical notes.
Please ensure you have permission from the person you care for before accessing their medical account.
Carers’ Support Service is here to make sure unpaid carers are seen, supported and never left to struggle alone.
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