An emergency card specifically for carers has been launched with the aim to alert first responders that the person holding the card is a family carer.
In the event of an emergency, the person who finds the card will contact a dedicated Freephone Emergency Helpline.
Family Carers Ireland will then initiate the individual care plan of the person in care and if appropriate, will provide up to 72 hours of in-home emergency support.
Family Carers Ireland has been calling for such a scheme for some time, however, the organisation said that Covid-19 has exasperated the need for a plan in the event of a carer getting the coronavirus.
The launch is in partnership with An Garda Síochána, the National Ambulance Service Community First Responder Schemes, the Irish Red Cross and the Order of Malta.
The Emergency Card Scheme has been funded by Irish Life and with the support of Dormant Account Fund administered by Pobal.