Who is the service for?

Shared Lives is open to anyone who needs extra support to live independently. A social worker or care coordinator can refer a person to the service after an assessment. 

Service users include people with the following:

• physical disabilities
• sensory impairments
• learning disabilities
• mental health support needs
• difficulties with managing daily activities as they get older

What can carers provide?

Shared Lives is ideal for people who prefer to live in a family setting.

Shared Lives Scheme carers have the skills, commitment and training to share their homes and lives with people who need support.

Shared Lives carers can provide:

• short break accommodation with care and support
• long-term accommodation with care and support
• day support, where you spend time with an approved Shared Lives carer in their home and community

What are the benefits of Shared Lives scheme?

Through Shared Lives, you'll receive the help and support you need in your carer's home. Your carer will share their family and community life with you.

You help design the care package you need. You could:

• live long term with a carer
• have short breaks
• have company and support from time to time

We want you to be comfortable spending time with your Shared Lives carer. So you'll have the chance to get to know them before starting the scheme.

People who used the scheme have learnt new skills and gained the confidence to live an independent life.

How will my Shared Lives carer support me?

Your Shared Lives carer may support you with whatever you and those involved in your support say you need help with. This may be:

• personal care, like washing and dressing
• taking part in activities (for example, going shopping or going out for a meal)
• helping you feel part of the household
• supporting you feel part of the local community
• giving you choices and allowing you to make your own decisions
• making sure you are safe

If you stay for a short break or live with Shared Lives Carers, you will have your own bedroom and share the rest of the house.

How do I know I will like my carer?

Everyone is different, so we'll ask what is important to you before matching you with a suitable carer. 

You'll spend some time with your carer before you stay with them or move in. And if you don't feel the household is right for you, we will do our best to find a better fit.

We train, assess and carry out enhanced DBS checks on all our Shared Lives carers. In addition, your Shared Lives scheme worker will visit you to check the quality of support you are getting. 

Do I have to pay?

There is a charge for using Shared Lives. The amount you pay will depend on the sort of care you need and want to have.

The Non-Residential Financial Assessment team will assess you. This assessment will determine how much you will contribute towards the cost of any arrangement with the Shared Lives scheme.

If you choose to live long-term with a Shared Lives household, you will pay a board and lodging fee for:

• rent
• utilities
• food

Board and lodging are £159.25 per week. If you are eligible for Universal Credit, it should cover the rent.

Who checks the service?

Shared Lives is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The scheme meets the regulations in the Health and Social Care Act 2008. This means the service is checked to make sure things are being done properly.

How do I find out more about the scheme?

Your social care worker can refer you to the Shared Lives scheme. Please contact us if you think this service could benefit you and would like more information.