Emergency Card Scheme for a carer's peace of mind

Do you worry about what may happen if you had an accident or were suddenly taken ill whilst away from the person you care for?

Trafford Carers Centre has developed an Emergency Card Scheme to give you peace of mind should an emergency arise and the scheme is available to all of our registered carers.

What is the Emergency Card Scheme?

It is a free scheme which issues you with a small card that you can carry in your purse or wallet at all times. In the event of an accident or emergency, it will tell the finder of the card that you are a carer with someone at home, who may be in urgent need of attention. It instructs the finder to telephone the Carers Centre, quoting the unique serial number printed on the card and our staff will then access the confidential instructions you have provided for the alternative care of the person you are looking after. For example, you may instruct that a relative be contacted to support in your absence, or it may be instructions to locate medication needed. If you don’t know anyone who could take over from you in an emergency, then Social Services will provide any urgent support.

Can I use the Card for Minor Emergencies?

YES! The card can also be used by you for unplanned minor emergencies. This could be things like:

• You may have unexpected transport problems and you will be delayed coming home
• You may need to take someone other than the person you care for to the hospital in an emergency
• You need unplanned medical attention yourself and need to see your doctor unexpectedly

In these circumstances, you can ring the telephone number on the card during our office hours yourself and our team will then make contact with social services in order for them to coordinate for a support worker to provide support for up to four hours. They will not necessarily be able to do everything you would normally do but they will ensure that the person is kept safe and help them with anything important. If you are longer than a few hours then the support worker will contact the Centre and access your confidential instructions for emergency support. In some circumstances, support can be arranged for longer periods up to 48 hours.

The Centre staff will not give any information about you or the cared for to the person who calls.

Is it confidential?

There are no personal details on the card itself.

How do I get an Emergency Card?

You will need to complete an application form which can be posted to you.

You will need to provide the following details about:

• The person you care for and his/her needs.
• The names and details of one or two emergency contacts or key holders/ key safe details. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know anyone, as Social Services will provide any urgent support.
• Their Dietary requirements.
• Their medication prescription and where is the medication kept.
• Your plans in the event of your own death.

This information sheet is then placed on your individual file to be referred to in the event of an accident or emergency.

You will be sent an emergency card with your unique serial number, together with a copy of the application form to be passed to any emergency contact(s) you have nominated.

Once you have your card, you can rest assured that the person you care for will not be forgotten in an emergency. However, if your information changes please let us know.