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Service users

Benefits

  • Is a cost-effective form of care, provided in the community.
  • Is personalised to each person who uses the service – meaning they receive care that is tailored to them.
  • Is incredibly safe and carefully monitored by Hampshire County Council’s Shared Lives team and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
  • Reduces social isolation.
  • Encourages people to live independently within the safety of a family home and learn new ways to be self-sufficient.
  • Helps people stay in touch with their family, friends, and communities while they receive support.
  • Leads to improved wellbeing and physical health.

“Yes definitely feel supported, [Shared Lives officer’s name] is fantastic, always there” and “Shared Lives officer is a gem … I can always ring them; they will advise me.”

(Service User)

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What we provide

  • Long-term Care: Shared Lives long-term arrangements work for people who would like support whilst living full-time with a Shared Lives carer, in their family home. Someone may stay with their Shared Lives carer for a shorter time while they learn the skills they need to live independently, or they could live with them for several years, it all depends on what the person receiving support wants and needs, and what the Shared Lives carer can offer.

    Shared Lives carers undertake a thorough assessment process in order to be approved as carers. This helps us understand their needs, likes, dislikes and interests so we can make the best match possible.

  • Short Breaks: Sometimes, people who receive support or their carer may need a bit of a break – and that’s where our Short Breaks service comes in. We give people who need support the chance to stay with one of our Shared Lives carers for a short period of time while their usual carer takes a break. This allows the person receiving the support to enjoy a change of scenery and a break from their routine while still receiving the same professional care. It also gives their usual carer a chance to rest. These arrangements are organised well in advance with everyone involved.

    Hampshire County Council offers different options for a range of respite and short stays. You may be offered respite or a short break in a Shared Lives service rather than in one of our bed-based services which are reserved for individuals with more complex needs.

  • Day Opportunities: Daytime opportunities in a Shared Lives service focus on helping people live their days how they want to. By spending time with one of our Shared Lives carers individuals can work towards goals, whether that’s exploring the local community, going on day trips or at the carer’s home. This support helps people feel connected to their community and to stay well and happy.
  • Next Steps: When children who have been in foster care or residential care reach the age of 18 they transition into adult care services or have the opportunity to head out on their own and live independently. Some may not feel ready to live alone or might not feel comfortable with moving into adult care. With Next Steps arrangements, these young people can live with a Shared Lives carer who will support them as much or as little as they need to help them meet their outcomes – whatever they may be. These arrangements are usually short term but are open-ended.
  • Next Steps Together: If a foster carer wants to continue providing support to a young person when they reach the age of 18, and if the young person also wants to continue being supported by their foster carer, we can transition them both into our Shared Lives scheme. Next Steps Together transitions the foster carer into becoming a Shared Lives carer, allowing the young person to continue being supported by them for a short period of time until they’re ready to take the next step or until they reach their goals. These arrangements are open-ended but tend to be short term.
three people walking in the outdoors man making a bed with carer mum and daughter man cooking with support older lady with support man walking with support

Who can use Shared Lives?

Shared Lives provides support for adults aged 18 and over who need help to live as independently as possible. Our service is open to people from all walks of life, including those who:

  • Have a learning or physical/sensory disability.
  • Are older adults.
  • Are experiencing a mental health problem.
  • Are recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction.
  • Might be moving from a different type of care, like foster care.
  • Have come out of hospital and need a hand while they fully recover and regain their independence.
  • Have been unwell, or need some temporary support, to reduce the likelihood of hospital admission.
  • Already receive care but want to have a bit more choice about how it works.

We believe that everyone deserves the chance to live a happy and fulfilling life, so we don’t discriminate. Talk to your case worker if you think you are interested in Shared Lives or contact Hampshire County Council for an assessment. We are always happy to talk to people who are interested in finding out more about the Shared Lives scheme, whether for themselves or for someone else.