What happens if you can’t be a Carer for an hour, day or week?
I was in this situation; I had to have an operation on my ankle that left me unable to put weight on it for 12 weeks. Not to go over the memories of being laid up in bed, still being a full-time Carer and getting very little support.
I mention it because stuff happens, pre-planned or just accidents. It has happened to me several times, and it will happen again.
My question to you is, do you have an Emergency Care Plan?
Have you asked a member of your family, a neighbour or a friend if an accident or unforeseen event happens will they be your go-to person to take care of your child for this period of time? I am not talking about Guardians but just someone you can rely on to get you out of a challenging situation until you can return to being the Carer again.
You will need to let them know what care is required, any medication, how to keep your child safe, entertained and how to answer any questions. It would be so much easier for you if you had all this written down. You could have a plan for immediate action and a slightly longer-term plan.
THEN HAVE PLAN B.
Ask someone else as well; if an emergency happens, can you contact them?
In the heat of the moment, you will need your mind clear, not asking yourself, what do I do? Who can I contact?
In my experience, people want to help but don’t just spring it on them. Go through the scenario and guide them so they feel more confident if they ever have to take over and know what they are doing.
I found the Family Cares Ireland Emergency Care Plan template brilliant, and you can gain access to it by clicking the link below:
https://www.familycarers.ie/media/1986/family-carers-ireland-emergency-plan.pdf
