Carry the ICE card – show you care
A free scheme to help Warwickshire carers in case of an emergency has been improved to provide even better support.
The new ICE (In Case of Emergency) card is being offered to people across the county who may look after relatives, friends or neighbours because they are disabled, ill or frail.
The aim of the card is to ensure that the person who is cared for is looked after the best way possible if their carer is taken ill or caught in an emergency.
Available in a handy credit card size or key-fob, the card is carried by the carer and features a unique code linked to an emergency plan which can be activated by one phone call.
The card and emergency planning service is completely free of charge and can be activated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. An ICE card is also available for the person who is being cared for in case they should need help when they are away from their home.
In Warwickshire there are over 53,000 people of all ages, including children, who provide regular care for others. However, many of those with caring responsibilities are unaware of the help available to them because they see what they are doing as part of being a partner, family member, friend or neighbour.
Sue Green cares for her 19 year-old son Adam who has cerebral palsy, and also works for Warwickshire County Council’s Adult, Health and Community Services HQ in Warwick.
Sue said: “The ICE card is a great idea as it not only gives reassurance but also promotes independence.”
Dr Graeme Betts, Strategic Director of Adult, Health and Community Services at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Carers make an incredible contribution and we are committed to giving them greater support. The new ICE card will help give carers and the people they care for better peace of mind.”
He added: ”If you help to look after someone who could not manage without your help you might not consider yourself to be a carer. But if you worry about what would happen to a person who relies on your help we would urge you to contact us about the ICE card.”
For information about the ICE card and carers’ services please log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/carers or telephone the Customer First Team on 01926 745142.