Shared Lives

You do not need any formal qualifications to be a Shared Lives carer as we offer training to all applicants as part of the assessment process. What you need is a caring nature and a spare room.

If you choose to become a Shared Lives carer, you will be self-employed. There is a competitive rate of pay. Placements can be long term or short term, and provide respite or emergency care.

Shared Lives carers support people with learning disabilities, mental health needs, physical disabilities, and older people.

Individuals placed with you live as members of your family and should be treated as you would wish another member of your family to be. Care should be offered according to the person’s need. This could involve a range of tasks, like:

• Helping them to manage their money and their benefits
• Supporting individuals to take their prescribed medication
• Offering personal care such as washing hair, bathing or prompting to do so
• Giving encouragement and support to individuals and helping them to meet their potential.
• Helping to improve their social skills

You will have a choice in who is placed with you. Placements are made to suit you and the individual and there is a robust matching process. All supported individuals are referred to the scheme via a rigorous referral process.