Why it matters
If the main carer is suddenly unwell, decisions get made in a hurry by people who do not know the person. One page, written in advance, prevents most of that.
Write one page and leave it where it will be found
- Who the person is, their address and Eircode, and their GP
- Their medication list and any allergies
- What help they need at which times of day
- Two people to contact, with phone numbers
- Who holds keys, and where the medical card and documents are kept
- Anything essential about communication, hearing, eyesight or memory
Ask in advance
- Whether any emergency respite exists locally, and how it is requested
- Whether a carer support organisation offers an emergency scheme in your area
- Whether the Public Health Nurse should hold a copy of the plan
Sources
- Family Carers Ireland — Support for family carers
Open the official source - Health Service Executive (HSE) — HSE — health and social care services
Open the official source
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice.