Carers can often worry about what would happen in an emergency, if they had to go into hospital or are called away to care for another family member in crisis. A good way to do this is to draft your own Emergency Plan. A Carer's Emergency Plan(CEP) is a document containing vital information about what the carer does for the person they look after. The plan should ensure that vital help and support for the cared for person continues to be provided. If carers face an emergency they need to know that replacement care will get sorted out speedily and efficiently. For many, this may simply involve contacting a family member, friend or neighbour who is willing to cover in an emergency If the person you care for has a Care and Support Plan, or if you have your own Carers Support Plan these should include a contingency. Speak to your Social Worker, Assessment and Review officer or the Carers Centre for more information. As well as having your own Carer's Emergency Plan you can also request a Carer's Emergency Card. This is a credit card sized card that you can carry in your purse or wallet. It will identify you as a carer and holds a number to be contacted on your behalf in case of emergency. Whilst many feel that caring is one of the most important things they do, its challenges should not be underestimated. Caring without the right information and support can be tough.  Carers Leeds feel it is vitally important that we recognise the contribution carers make to their families and local communities, workplaces and society, and that they get the support they need. Carers Leeds we have listened to Carers and one of the things they have asked for is a Carers Emergency card. As part of celebrating Carers week they are promoting their new Carers Emergency Card which allows you to register with Carers Leeds and receive the card or request a card if you are already registered with us.

If you need care and support, there are a number of organisations that may be able to help you. Sunderland Information Point contains information about services and activities for adults, older people and their carers.

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust recognises that carers play an important role in the continuing care of many of our patients during their hospital stay and in planning their discharge.

By implementing best practice, they want to promote the health and independence of carers. This is achieved though working closely with you as your knowledge and experience of caring for your loved one or patient is absolutely invaluable. It is because of this that they look to involve carers in all aspects of patient care, including offering flexible visiting hours so you can help with meal times, or getting washed and dressed. How we achieve this:

• Early Identification and recognition of carers of all ages
• Identifying and recognising your commitment as carers
• Ensuring you are aware that you have certain rights as a carer, including the right to a carer’s assessment
• Allowing you to make choices about your caring role
• Actively seeking patients’ permission to share information with carers
• Involving you in patients’ discharge planning  and offering relevant support
• Monitoring your experience and satisfaction through surveys and carer organisation feedback
• Identifying and supporting patients with a caring responsibility
• Keeping you informed of patient condition
• Ensuring information is shared with you to facilitate a safe admission and discharge
• Sign post you to external support agencies such as Local Carers Centres
• Carers who are patients themselves may have a special need for both a longer convalescence and more respite care for the person they look after. They may need additional support on discharge, as well as to be directed to sources of support.

Adult social care and support

Sunderland City Council can point you towards the right organisations that may be able to help you. In order to be able to receive support from Sunderland City Council, you need to meet the national minimum eligibility criteria. They'll ask you some questions about your day-to-day life to work out what you need, this is called an assessment. This information will them be used to help meet your needs.