Many carers worry about what will happen to the person they care for if they themselves have an accident or medical emergency.

In response City of York Council and York Carers Centre have launched the Carers Emergency Card.

What is the Carers Emergency Card?

The Carers Emergency Card is a partneship between York Carers Centre and City of York Council's Warden Call service.  Over 550 carers have registered with the scheme. 

Carers register an emergency plan so that in the event of an emergency the person they care for will not be left at risk.  Each carer is issued with a Carers Emergency Card which has a unique PIN number. York Carers Centre hosts the scheme and will complete the registration process.  In an emergency City of York Council's Warden Call service, who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, look up the carer's emergency plan and put it into action.

Who can register?

All carers of adults and young carers can register if the person they care for lives within the City of York boundary.  If they do not there are similar schemes available in other Local Authority areas. 

How do carers register?

Carers should contact York Carers Centre for a registration pack.  The centre can help you to complete the form if required. The form asks for details about the carer and the person they care for.  Carers will also be asked to nominate up to three other contacts, such as other family members or friends who could provide short-term care in an emergency. If a carer does not have any contacts they can still register with the scheme as Warden Call Control Centre will arrange emergency care provision if appropriate.  The service is free of charge.

What are the benefits?

Both the carer and the cared for will know that an emergency plan can be put into action at any time. Carers say that this gives them peace of mind.

How does it work?

Once a carer has registered they will receive a carer's card, which has a unique PIN number and a 24 hour emergency contact number, which we ask carers to carry at all times. In the event of an accident or emergency anyone finding the number will be able to contact the Warden Call Control Centre. Staff will look up the carer's emergency plan and put it into action.

Further information

For further information and to register with the scheme please contact York Carers Centre.