Emergency planning

Planning for an emergency

Carers Emergency Card

The thought of finding yourself in an emergency that prevents you from being able to carry out your caring role can be a worry. This is why we have partnered with Be Independent to offer a Carers Emergency Card.

If you care for someone who is 18+, your details and your emergency plan will be given to Be Independent, who offer a 24/7 emergency response service. So, if you are unable to get to the person you care for, the number on the Carers Emergency Card can be called and your emergency plan can be put in place.

This may be as simple as calling a friend or neighbour, or if you don’t have an emergency contact, Be Independent will dispatch one of their trained team. Both you and the person you care for will know that an emergency plan can be put into action at any time.

Many carers who are already part of the Carers Emergency Card scheme have said that the emergency plan gives them peace of mind.

The Carers Emergency Card scheme is a partnership between York Carers Centre and ‘Be Independent’ (formerly Warden Call Service), and it is free.

How does it work?

You will be given a credit-card sized card that you always keep with you. In an emergency anyone who finds this card can contact ‘Be Independent’ using the emergency number on the card. Staff at ‘Be Independent’ will look up your details and get in touch with the emergency contacts you have specified. You can still register with the scheme if you do not have any emergency contacts (see below).

What counts as an emergency?

A crisis or emergency is a sudden, unplanned and temporary situation which means you cannot carry out your usual caring role and are prevented from making temporary arrangements.

Who can register?

You can join the scheme even if you:

• Don’t live with the person you care for
• Are not the only person providing care for someone
• Are caring for more than one person
• Are not related to the person you care for
• Don’t already have Be Independent services (this scheme is separate from their alarm call service)
• Are a young carer caring for an adult
• The person you care for is over 18 years old and lives within the City of York Council’s boundary.

How to register

Please complete the registration form using the button below. The form asks for information about you and the care needs of the person you look after, so the right support is put in place in an emergency.

You can also read the following documents before registering:

• Carers Emergency Card factsheet

• Frequently asked questions

• Important information for your emergency contacts

If you need the form in another format or would like help to complete it, we are here to support you. Please call us on 01904 715 490.