What is a contingency plan?
A contingency plan is a simple, practical plan that outlines what should happen if you are suddenly unable to care – for instance, due to illness, an emergency, adverse weather, or an unexpected delay. It provides clear instructions so the person you care for can continue to receive the support they need, even if you are not present.
Having a plan in place can reduce anxiety for both you and the person you support, and help professionals, family, friends or neighbours to respond quickly and confidently.
Why contingency planning matters for carers
Many carers provide essential support every day, often without backup. If something unexpected happens, the impact can be serious without clear guidance. A contingency plan:
A contingency plan does not replace long‑term care planning; it concentrates on short‑term, unforeseen circumstances.
What should a contingency plan include?
Your plan should be clear, easy to understand, and written in plain language. Useful information includes:
- Details about the person you care for:
- Names, addresses and contact details
- Date of birth and NHS number (if available)
- Preferred language or communication needs
- Emergency contacts
- Family members, friends, or neighbours who can help
- GP, district nurse, social worker, or other professionals
- Any agencies already involved in care
- Daily care and routines
•Medication details (what, when, how it’s taken)
•Personal care needs
•Mobility support or equipment used
•Mealtimes, dietary needs or allergies
•Important routines that offer comfort or reassurance - Health and safety information
- Medical conditions and warning signs to watch for
- What to do in an emergency
- Any hazards in the home (for example, falls or confusion)
- Practical arrangements
- Where important items are kept (keys, medication, paperwork)
- Pet care, if relevant
- School or day service details
Cultural or Faith Needs
Including cultural, religious, or spiritual needs that are important to the person you care for can be helpful, ensuring these are respected if someone else needs to step in. This could include references regarding food, personal care, prayer or worship, gender of carers, dress, or end‑of‑life wishes. Writing these down can help others provide support that feels familiar, respectful, and reassuring, especially in stressful or unexpected situations. If you’d like assistance with any of these, Staffordshire Together For Carers is here to help you.
How to create your contingency plan
Download a blank template here. You don’t need to make this complicated. Many carers find it helpful to:
Get In Touch
Staffordshire Together for Carers can assist you in considering what to include and help you put together your plan.
Contact us here if you’d like support.
Where should you keep your plan?
Your plan should be easy to find in an emergency. You might:
You might also wish to use a Lions Message in a Bottle, which stores vital medical and emergency details in a clearly labelled container kept in your fridge so emergency services can easily locate it. To order your Message in a Bottle, click here.
Reviewing and updating your plan
A contingency plan should be reviewed regularly and updated whenever changes occur, such as:
A quick review every 6–12 months can help keep it accurate and useful.
How Staffordshire Together for Carers can help
Caring for someone can be demanding, especially when you’re worried about what might happen if the unexpected occurs. You don’t have to face this alone. Staffordshire Together For Carers is here to provide friendly, practical support to help you plan ahead with confidence.
We can discuss everything at your pace, help you decide which information is most useful, and support you in creating a clear, simple contingency plan that reflects your circumstances. Whether you’re starting from scratch or reviewing an existing plan, our goal is to help you feel reassured, supported, and less anxious about what might happen in an emergency.
If you’re unsure where to start, our team can help you take it one step at a time.
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