Completing your 'My Caring Role' plan offers a multitude of benefits, empowering you to face emergencies with confidence and ensuring the continuity of care for your loved one.

Even if you have friends and family who will help out during an emergency, we advise that you complete a 'My Caring Role' plan. This ensures they have all the details they need to provide the best level of care to your loved one.

Here's five things you should consider:

1. Have someone with you when creating your plan.

Planning for emergencies can be a daunting task. Ask someone to go through the process with you and to discuss your options. Our team are there to help.

2. What should you include in your plan?

It is essential to include detailed information that will enable an emergency contact to step into your shoes. This should include medical information, care instructions, daily routines and preferences.

3. What important information do people need to know?

Note any significant points that the reader of your plan will need to be aware of. It could be the medication information of the person you care for or a pet that would need to be looked after.

4. Your biggest concerns

Consider what worries you most in the event of an emergency and what could help you overcome your concerns. Ensure you include all the vital contact and access information - for example, a key safe code for your home.

5. Make your plan known

You have a plan – great! Now think about how someone can access it if an emergency happened. Without the people around you knowing where it is, the plan is ineffective. This is a great opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings with others and so they know exactly how you’d like them to handle an emergency situation.