Support for unpaid carers

Why planning matters

Sometimes you may be unable to provide care (for example, if you are unwell or need to go into hospital). A simple contingency plan can reduce worry and help others step in quickly.

Top tips

Be prepared

• Talk to family, friends and, where appropriate, the person you care for
• Write down your plan and keep it somewhere easy to find

Include these details

• Name, address and key contacts for the person you care for
• Who to contact in an emergency (family, friends, professionals)
• Medication details and how to access it
• Any ongoing treatment or care and useful daily routines

Get support to make your plan

• Staffordshire Together for Carers can help you create a contingency plan: 0300 303 0621
• Carers UK – Planning for emergencies has practical ideas and templates

Local schemes that can help

• Lions Club “Message in a Bottle” – stores vital information in the person’s home for emergency services (Tel: 0121 441 4544)
• My Wishes – record and share future health and care preferences

If it becomes an emergency

• Mon–Fri 9am–5pm: Staffordshire Cares 
  Call 0300 111 8010
• Evenings/weekends/bank holidays: Emergency Duty Team 
  Call 0345 604 2886