Emergencies can happen at any time, and for those caring for someone living with dementia, having key contacts readily available can make a critical difference. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a sudden change in behaviour, or a situation where additional support is needed, knowing who to call — without having to search for it — reduces stress and improves outcomes.
Why an Emergency Contact List Matters
Dementia can present unpredictable challenges — sudden confusion, agitation, falls, or walking with intent. In moments of crisis, it can be difficult to think clearly and find the right numbers. A pre-prepared list means help is just a phone call away.
A well-organised list can:
- Speed up response times in an emergency
- Ensure the right people are contacted first and delays are avoided
- Reduce stress and anxiety for carers and family members
- Provide backup contacts if the primary carer is unavailable
Who Should Be on the List?
Medical and emergency services
- 999 — emergency services (ambulance, police, fire brigade)
- NHS 111 — non-emergency medical advice
- GP surgery — practice name, GP’s name, and phone number
- Local hospital A&E — main contact number
- Pharmacist — helpful for medication-related queries
- Community or district nurse — if involved in care, their direct number is valuable
Key carers and family members
- Primary carer — name, relationship, and phone number
- Secondary carers — any backup family members, close friends, or neighbours who help
- Emergency respite care contact — if an urgent break in care is needed
Dementia and social care support
- Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect — 0333 150 3456
- Adult social services — useful if extra care support is needed quickly
- Local carers’ support network — many areas have organisations offering advice and practical help
Practical support contacts
- Electricity, gas, and water providers — in case of supply issues
- Locksmith or home security provider — if locks need changing after a lost key
- Taxi or transport provider — if an urgent trip to a hospital or GP is needed
How to Store the List
- Keep a printed copy somewhere visible — on the fridge or near the phone works well
- Store a digital copy on a mobile phone or tablet
- Share the list with other family members or close friends
Go One Step Further: Create an Emergency Information Pack
Alongside the contact list, consider keeping a small folder — paper or digital — containing:
- A summary of the person’s medical history, including diagnosed conditions, medications, and allergies
- Any legal documents such as a Lasting Power of Attorney or advance care plan
- Key care preferences — preferred hospital, known triggers for distress, communication preferences
- A recent photograph in case the person ever goes missing
If you haven’t already, completing a Herbert Protocol form is also strongly recommended. This is a national initiative used by police forces across the UK that allows carers to log key details about the person living with dementia in advance — so if they ever go missing, that information is ready to hand to the police immediately. See the post [Walking with Intent: Understanding Wandering in Dementia and How to Stay Safe] for more detail and a link to the local form.
Keep It Up to Date
An emergency contact list is only useful if it’s current. Set a reminder to review it every few months to check:
- All phone numbers and details are still accurate
- No contacts have changed or are no longer relevant
- Any new support services are added
Seeking Additional Support
If you’re unsure what to include or who to contact in your area, a dementia adviser, social worker, or GP can help you identify the right people and point you towards local resources.
A few minutes of preparation now can make all the difference in a crisis.
Carer wellbeing is something we take seriously in the Getting to Know Dementia programme — particularly in Part 6, where we explore what it means to be an advocate, build a support team, and look after yourself alongside the person you care for. Find out more about the programme and upcoming dates.
Sources:
- Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). “Planning for Emergencies.” Available at: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/planning-for-emergencies [Accessed 9 March 2025]
- NHS. (2024). “What to Do in an Emergency.” Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/first-aid/ [Accessed 9 March 2025]
- Alzheimer’s Society. (2023). “Dementia Support Services and Helplines.” Available at: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ [Accessed 9 March 2025]