#WhoCares about supporting adults with dementia?

Having worked in Social Care for almost 40 years I have had the privilege of working with people in a number of different settings e.g. Supported Living, Outreach, Day centres, hostels etc. Whilst I can truly say all of these models provide amazing support and, in most cases, meet the needs of the people supported. Approximately 15 years ago I came across the model of Shared Lives, I was fascinated by this unique, truly person-centred model of care and support. Following applying for a role in Shared Live I have worked within this model for sometime and I have to admit it is my favourite model of care and support. I believe that the outcomes for people exceed those that are achieved in other models of support. My belief for this is that people are living in ‘normal’ family homes this means they are supported by carers who know them well, the carers become similar to family members, there is no turn over of staff, true lasting meaningful relationships are formed. No more than 3 people are supported in an arrangement at any one time this means carers have the opportunity to support people in line with their choice, carers are not reliant on time which is dictated by rotas and shifts.

What is Shared Lives – Similar to fostering but for those 16 Plus in some cases but in the main 18 and upwards.

Shared Lives is a social care service where an adult who needs support is matched with an approved carer and shares the carer’s home, family, and community life. It is a community-based, person-centred alternative to traditional care options like supported living or residential care homes.

How It Works

Matching Process: Individuals needing support are carefully matched with Shared Lives carers based on shared interests, hobbies, and lifestyles to ensure compatibility. Both parties meet and agree to the arrangement before it begins.

Types of Support: The service is flexible and can offer various types of support, including:

Long-term living: The person moves in with the Shared Lives carer and becomes a part of the household on a permanent basis.

Short breaks/respite: The individual stays with a carer for a few nights, a weekend, or a couple of weeks, often to provide a break for their primary caregivers.

Day support: The person visits the carer’s home for a few hours at a time during the day to participate in activities and develop skills.

Integration: The core principle is that the person being supported is integrated into the carer’s family and community life, rather than just being a recipient of formal care.

Who It’s For

Shared Lives schemes support a diverse range of people aged 18 or over (or 16+ in some areas) who have undergone a social care needs assessment:

• Adults with learning disabilities or physical disabilities
• People with mental health conditions
• Older people, including those with dementia
• Young people transitioning from children’s services to adult social care

Benefits

The Shared Lives model is highly rated by the CQC for its quality and safety and offers many benefits, including:

• Personalised care: Support is tailored to individual needs and preferences.
• Increased independence: People can learn new skills, build confidence, and become more active in their community.
• Improved well-being: The family environment and consistent, stable relationships often lead to improved health and emotional well-being compared to institutional care.
• Cost-effective:It is often a more affordable alternative to residential care, offering significant savings for local authorities.

What types of people make good Shared Lives carers

Anyone can become a shared lives carer, people who become shared lives carers are from all walks of life, teachers, police personnel, foster carers, mums, single people, same sex couples. Being a Shared Lives carer is not about qualifications or previous experience in the care sector its about, good values, kindness, patience, resilience. Its about having space in your heart and room in your home.

Carer Role:Shared Lives carers are self-employed, specially recruited, trained, and vetted by a local Shared Lives scheme, which is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England. They receive a fee for the support they provide and can benefit from tax relief.

Want to know more about accessing this support or becoming a Shared Lives carer, contact Claire Morphet on 01706 626732 or email claire.morphet@possabilities.org.uk