Carers Emergency Plan

Reading Crossroads and the PRT Carers Service are working together to help carers in Reading and Wokingham plan what would happen if they had an emergency and to help if that emergency happens. Reading and Wokingham Borough Councils fund this work.

What is an emergency?

An emergency is an illness, accident, personal crisis or event, which unexpectedly or at very short notice takes a carer away from the person they care for, or delays their return to them. It could include things such as a family funeral, a transport delay, family illness, admission to hospital, last minutes doctors or dentist appointment or a personal accident affecting the carer.

What is a carer's emergency plan?

A carer's emergency plan is a carer's own personal plan of what should happen and who will help to make sure that the person they care for is safe and well in the event of such an emergency.

Who can be in the plan?

Whoever is willing to help. This could be a friend, relatives or neighbours but ask them first! It may be Crossroads, or another care agency of your choice or social services.

Who puts the plan into practice?

Having a plan should mean that a carer can get help for themselves more easily. They can also ring a dedicated telephone number for Crossroads staff to implement the plan any time of the day or night, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year

What if an accident or injury means the carer can't summon help?

A Carer's Emergency Card, which you take with you wherever you go, identifies you to emergency services as a carer with an emergency plan. The emergency services contact Crossroads via a number on the card.

What happens if friends, relatives or neighbours cannot help when the emergency actually occurs?

Crossroads will send a full trained carer support worker to the person you care for, or will summon other support as per your emergency plan.

Who benefits?

A good plan should ensure the comfort and safety of the person/s cared for and peace of mind for the carer even if an emergency never occurs.

Will this service cost me money?

No – support with preparing your plan and the emergency contact and response service from Crossroads are all completely free, although as part of our funding agreement we are required to pass your details to the relevant social services department at the time an emergency occurs.

What can I do next?

For more information contact Reading Crossroads on 0118 945 4209 or PRT Carers Service on 0118 950 3941.