Carers Emergency Card

What is the Carer’s Emergency Card (CEC) scheme?

The CEC scheme allows a carer to make and share a plan of how the person they care for can be supported if an unforeseen emergency prevents them from caring or making alternative arrangements. An emergency is a sudden, unplanned, unforeseen and unavoidable event that includes the carer being ill, having an accident or visiting a sick person. Making a plan gives the carer peace of mind that in an emergency the cared for person will be looked after in the best possible way.

How does the CEC scheme work?

The carer completes a Registration & Care Plan form providing information about their caring responsibilities with contact details for up to three people who have agreed to provide care on their behalf in an emergency. If eligible for the scheme, the carer is given a credit card size ID card which they should carry at all times. This card provides the contact number for the 24 hour call centre where the form is kept. The information provided will be reviewed annually.

During an emergency when the call centre receives a call, the named contacts will be alerted that the cared for person needs their support. The carer needs to discuss the Care Plan with the person they care for and the named contacts. Carers can still register even if they cannot provide named contacts.

Who can register for the CEC scheme?

Carers of Westminster residents providing substantial and regular unpaid care to support a relative, friend or neighbour who needs their support because of disability, illness or frailty and would be at risk without support. This includes parent carers caring for disabled children and young carers (under 18 years old).

What happens if named contacts are not available to provide care?

If named contacts are not available to provide care, the call centre will contact the relevant Social Services team to arrange provision of suitable emergency services. This may include assigning a paid care worker to look after the cared for person.

How much does the CEC scheme cost when named contacts are not available?

Emergency services are provided for the first 48 hours (or 72 hours during weekends) free of charge. Services required beyond 48 hours (or 72 hours) need a Social Services assessment and there may be a charge for services depending on the financial circumstances of the cared for person.

How can carers register for the CEC scheme?

Carers can register for the CEC scheme by completing the Registration & Care Plan form. Contact Carers Network Westminster for more information or for help with the form on:

Phone: 020 8960 3033

Email:  info@carers-network.co.uk or write to

Carers Network Westminster

Office 8, Beethoven Centre

Third Avenue

London

W10 4JL

Forms are also available from other services including Social Care Teams, Injury Prevention Service, Westminster Carers Service, Rainbow Family Centre and Admiral Nursing Services.

Alternatively, you can download the form below and send to Catrers Network at the address above.

Carer’s Assessment

What is a carer’s assessment?

It is a process of gathering important information about a carer’s needs and how the carer can be supported to fulfill their caring role. It is free of charge for carers who provide, or intend to provide a substantial amount of care on a regular basis. Carers have a right to an assessment even if the cared for person refuses, provided that the cared for person is eligible for community care services.

Click here to find out more about Carers Assessments.

Does the carer need an assessment to access the Carer’s Emergency Card scheme?

No, but we advise carers to have an assessment so they may receive important information, support and advice that they are entitled to. You can either contact the cared for person’s Social Worker, Care Manager or Care Coordinator for more information and to request an assessment. If the person you care for is not currently known to services contact:

Westminster City Council on 020 7641 1175 to request an assessment or phone Carers Network Westminster on 020 8960 3033 for advice.