If you are a carer, it is important to plan ahead for any times when you may be unable to provide care for the person you support.
Planning for an emergency
Emergencies are easier to deal with if you plan ahead.
You may be worried about what might happen if:
- you had to go into hospital
- had an accident, or
- were no longer able to care
The following are suggestions that you may find helpful to make your plan.
Message in a bottle
Message in a bottle was created by Lions International. They supply a bottle which contains a pre-printed form and two green cross stickers. You complete the form that includes information such as:
- personal information
- contact details
- medication, etc.
The bottle is stored in your fridge. One bottle should be used per person.
The bottle and leaflets, forms, etc are free and supplied by the Lions Clubs organisation.
Find out more about Message in a Bottle
Emergency Carers Card
The Emergency Carer's Card Scheme is for carers who are concerned about what would happen if they were:
- taken ill
- in an accident, or
- if another emergency stopped them from getting to the person they care for.
You can apply for the card from Cornwall Carers Service.
Find out more about the Emergency Carers CardWhen the person you care for is in hospital
Hospitals in Cornwall provide support for carers when the person they care for is in hospital. A Carers Passport sets out the support you are able to provide to the person you care. It also provides you with flexible visiting hours, free car parking and meal / drinks vouchers. There is a short video on the Cornwall Carers Service that explains how this works.