Published 28th June 2021 by

If you look after a family member or friend, having a plan in place in case something happens that means you are unable to carry out your caring role is hugely important.

As well as it being something that can be put into action if needed, it also gives you, the carer, peace of mind.

Norfolk County Council recognise carers have many things to consider in their busy and demanding lives, making it harder to have time to consider what would happen to the person they care for in the event of an emergency.

This is why they have re-designed their online plan, to enable carers to have a simple and effective way to register their emergency plan with them – including considering who their emergency contacts are – so they can be contacted to step in and give temporary support.

The form has been designed with input from adult carers, as well as Norfolk County Council and Carers Matter Norfolk staff.

If you already have an emergency plan and ‘In My Place’ card registered with Adult Social Services, Norfolk County Council will also be contacting you to make you aware of the new form and inviting you to complete it.

They have also re-designed the ‘In My Place’ card, to include a key fob, which will make it easier for you to be identified as a carer in the event of an emergency – and therefore make Norfolk County Council aware your plan needs implementing.

If you are a carer who does not have emergency contacts, having an emergency plan in place means you too can have peace of mind – knowing that Norfolk County Council can arrange temporary support if it is needed due to an emergency.

If you are unsure of what information to provide in the form, advice is available to help you – click here to find out more about what to do. Or if you prefer you can contact Norfolk County Council’s Adult Social Service’s on 0344 800 8020 (Monday to Friday during office hours) for guidance.

It is your responsibility to keep the plan updated and notify Adult Social Care and any other parties you have shared the plan with of any changes.

To amend your emergency plan please click here to visit the relevant pages on Norfolk County Council’s website.