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Emergency planning

An emergency plan sets out what should happen to the person you care for if you are suddenly unable to care for them, for example because of your own illness or an accident.

Last reviewed
1 June 2026
Next review due
1 December 2026

Many carers worry about what would happen if they were suddenly unable to provide care. Planning ahead, and telling the right people about the plan, can reduce this worry and improve the response in an emergency.

What to include in a plan

  • Key contacts: family, friends, GP, social worker and any care agencies involved.
  • Daily routine: medication times, dietary needs, mobility needs and anything that could be dangerous if missed.
  • Practical details: where things are kept, how to get into the home, and any pets that need care.
  • Emergency card or app: many carers' services offer a card to carry that explains who to contact if you are taken ill or have an accident.

Making sure the plan works

A plan is only useful if the right people know it exists and can access it quickly.

  • Give a copy to a trusted family member or friend, and keep one at home in an obvious place.
  • Register with your council or local carers' service if they run an emergency card scheme.
  • Review and update the plan whenever circumstances change, such as new medication or a change of GP.

Checklist

  • Write down key contacts, daily routines and medical details in one place.
  • Ask your local carers' service about an emergency card or register.
  • Share the plan with at least one trusted person outside the household.
  • Keep a copy of the plan somewhere easy to find in an emergency.
  • Review the plan at least once a year, or after any significant change.
  • Check whether the person you care for has an up-to-date list of their own medications and allergies.

Common mistakes

  • Keeping the plan only in your head, so no one else can act on it.
  • Not updating the plan after a change in medication, routine or contacts.
  • Assuming an ambulance or hospital will automatically know about caring responsibilities.
  • Not telling the person you care for that a plan exists, where this is appropriate.

Organisations that can help