Plan for backup care

How to prepare

As a carer, it's important to prepare for unexpected situations where you might not be able to provide care. Emergencies can include sudden illness, accidents, or other unforeseen events.

Planning helps ensure the person you care for continues to receive the support they need, even in your absence.

Carer’s Emergency Alert Card Scheme

This scheme is a vital tool for carers in an emergency. If you're incapacitated, this card makes sure NHS staff are aware of your responsibilities and can take appropriate action to ensure the continuity of care for the person you look after.

How the emergency alert card helps you

Having the card means that:

• the emergency services, Kingston Council, GP and other authorities recognise your role as a carer
• you can pre-select alternative options for the person you care for
• you have 24 hours, 7 days a week access to an emergency response team who will arrange immediate care for the vulnerable person

Nominate a temporary carer in your absence

You can also use the alert card form to request a plan of care form. The plan of care form allows you to nominate a family member, neighbour, or someone you trust as a substitute carer in your absence.

Make sure you tell your nominated person so they’re informed and prepared to take over if you become unavailable for any reason.

Who can apply

To apply for the card, you’ll need to be:

• a carer living in the borough of Kingston
• giving regular, unpaid support to someone due to their illness, disability, mental health condition, or an older person needing care

What you’ll need

In your application, you’ll need to tell us:

• your personal details: including your name and contact information
• the personal details of the person you care for: including their name, contact information, and any special care requirements
• about your caring situation: like the hours you provide care and any support you receive
• any professional support the person you care for receives: from a social worker, care agency, or any other professional support

Apply for the alert card

Apply for a carer's emergency alert card

You’ll receive a confirmation email for your application. We’ll review your application and may contact you for further information.

Update or cancel the alert card

Tell us as soon as possible if you need to update the information in the card, or you want to cancel it.

• Email: businesssupport.asc@kingston.gov.uk
• Phone: 020 8547 5005