Our new campaign, 'Plan for the Best', hopes to encourage carers to put an emergency plan in place. To support carers with this, we are rolling out free emergency plan packs for unpaid carers across Haringey.
‘Plan for the Best’ aims to guide carers through the fundamental points they need to consider during periods of temporary absence.
Emergency Plan Packs
The pack encourages unpaid carers to create an emergency plan to ensure the person they care for continues to receive vital support if they are ever suddenly and unexpectedly unable to be there. A carer’s emergency can be classed as a period of illness, travel disruption, an unexpected childcare issue, or even a stay in hospital.
With an easy-to-follow template, the pack prompts carers to think about all the care needs of their relative or friend – from medications to dietary requirements, mobility needs to behavioural concerns. The plan also includes useful information such as which neighbour has access to a spare key to the property, or whether there’s a pet in the home and if it is friendly with visitors.
Norman cares for his wife, Pearline. Like many carers in Haringey, Norman has found it hard to make time to write an emergency plan. With support from Carers First, Norman has used the plan template to guide him through the process step by step.
Norman said:
"I support Pearline every day - from morning to evening. She wouldn't be able to do it on her own at all. If the back door was open, she would go out and wander off - it wouldn't be safe for her."
These are the sort of details that are important to include in an emergency plan, so the person who steps in at short notice would be able to provide continuity of care to their family member or friend.
Chief Executive of Carers First, Alison Taylor, said:
“There are over 20,000 people in Haringey caring for a relative or friend who could not manage without their support. However, events or emergencies can happen and its vitally important that if they are not there for the person they help to look after, someone else is contacted and they have all the information they need. Carers say this gives them and their relative or friend reassurance and comfort.”
Haringey’s emergency plan pack includes top tips for planning, a pen, stickers, and a handy folder to keep the emergency plan secure. Additional copies of the plan template can also be downloaded from the website.
The emergency plan pack is free and exclusively for carers in the Haringey area. A limited number are available so requesting one early is recommended. To request an emergency plan pack, visit our campaign page for find out more.
Online Help and Advice
Visit our online support section where we have provided advice and guidance on a range of relevant topics to help you in your caring role.