On 21st February 2007, the New Deal for Carers announced that money would be provided to local authorities expressly to underpin the development of services to provide emergency cover for unpaid carers who, for reasons of an emergency or personal crisis are unable for a short period to continue to provide care.

There is considerable evidence that one of the factors that limits carers’ freedom to have any life of their own is the worry about what would happen if they became ill or if they were involved in an accident. Many carers have told Carers UK they do not take unnecessary journeys and frequently miss out on attending family events because of the worry of not being able to get home on time, or of being caught up in an accident. They are worried that there may be no one to look after the person they cared for.

Calderdale Carers Project is working with Calderdale Health and Social Care to develop a system that will provide short-term, home-based, emergency cover and support in crisis or emergency situations. The outcome of the initiative is to provide reassurance and confidence for the carer, that should anything happen to them to prevent them providing care at very short notice, then arrangements have been made such that alternative care can be put in place, wherever possible in the cared for person’s normal home to cover the period or to provide sufficient time to make alternative arrangements.

After a period of consultation and involvement with carers we have been able to design an Emergency Care and Backup Planning Scheme that offers carers genuine support and peace of mind.

Click on the link below if you wish to download a blank copy of the form to give to a carer.