Shared Lives scheme

For those assessed as eligible, Shared Lives provides a permanent home, a short stay, or day care in an ordinary home setting in the community.

Shared Lives carers share their home for the time the user is with them. Shared Lives carers undertake a thorough assessment process in order to be approved as carers.

Needs, likes, dislikes and interests are identified so that Shared Lives carers can be carefully matched.

Short stays can be arranged on a regular or occasional basis.

Shared Lives is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). See the latest CQC overview and inspection report.

Users include any adult aged 18 and over and care groups such as Learning Disabilities, Mental Health, Older Persons and Physical Disabilities.

Talk to your Care Manager if you think you are interested in Shared Lives.

Shared Lives staff are always happy to talk to people who are interested in finding out more information about the Shared Lives scheme either for themselves or for someone else.

It is important to be aware that the Shared Lives scheme is a personalised service within a family setting and we may not always be able to suggest a Shared Lives carer who has the necessary skills or availability to meet your needs.

Shared Lives carers receive a fee for each placement that they offer.

The user will pay the carer:

• rent for their room (usually from Housing Benefit or Universal Credit)
• a standard amount for all food and their share of the household bills (from DWP benefits)
• and usually a contribution toward their care and support as decided by the Customer Financial Management Team from Adult Services:

Subject to financial assessment, Adult Services may pay the carer for the user's care and support.

Your Care Manager will give you more information about charges for short stays with the Shared Lives Scheme.

The scheme is looking for carers who can provide a wide range of care, as the people we help and support have many different needs.

Become a Shared Lives carer.