This is a scheme devised by Wiltshire County Council to give carers piece of mind that if anything was to happen to them, care would be taken of the person they care for.

What is a carers emergency card?
It's a credit card size that will fit into your wallet or purse.

How will the card help me?
It will give you peace of mind, you can feel less anxious about going out and leaving the person you care for alone at home. If you have an accident or fall, anyone finding the card (e.g. emergency services staff) will know you are a carer and be able to contact the 24 hour emergency response service.

How does the scheme work?
You need to fill out an application form which gives your information, your cared fors information and details of people that can be called in an emergency. Thus information is held by Care Connect, the Emergency Response Service. If Care Connect receive a call to say you have had an accident they will, contact the nominated people to let them know what has happened, if the contact are unavailable they will ring social services to provide support for the person you care for and contact the person you care for and inform them of what has happened.

What are my responsibilities?
Make sure your named contacts have agreed to be nominated and discuss what care needs to be provided.

For more information and to register for this free service please phone 0800 066 5068, or alternatively come into the Kennet Carers office.