Frequently asked questions about Shared Lives
It's incredibly rewarding. You'll experience the joy of witnessing someone you care for grow their confidence, try new things and be happy in a safe and loving home. Being a Shared Lives carer can also offer a lot of flexibility and enable you to work from home.
Live-in or short stay care is a unique and rewarding career path that involves providing dedicated support and assistance to individuals in the comfort of their own homes
What is a Shared Lives carer?
A Shared Lives carer is a self-employed individual who provides personal care and support under the terms of a Shared Lives carer agreement. They share their home and family (and/or community) life, and, where necessary, provide accommodation to a person using or living in a Shared Lives arrangement.
What does a Shared Lives carer do?
A Shared Lives carer supports any person using Shared Lives to live the life they want, be part of the community, share family life, feel good, stay well, and keep safe. They treat the person with respect and dignity, help them express views, make choices and decisions, and follow all service policies and procedures.
Who will I support?
A person may have learning disabilities, physical disabilities, dementia, mental health issues, alcohol/drug dependence or other conditions that make it harder for them to live alone.
A young person may benefit, who has left the care system and needs somewhere to live and a family environment.
You have the chance to get to know the person who needs support and decide whether you want to spend more time together. You may agree to some short breaks or a live-in arrangement, all can be discussed and agreed during introductions (with social work and shared lives support).
People sometimes use a shared lives scheme as a way of learning the skills they need to live independently and to help them put down roots in the area or community before moving into a place of their own.
Will I be paid?
Absolutely, you will be paid for the support you provide, this could be short term arrangements or live -in arrangements! It’s up to you how you want to offer support, the key being your commitment and motivation to support a person with care and support needs.
Do I need to have experience?
This is helpful but not necessary. If you have a desire to support a person live a fulfilled and happy life we can support you to experience Shared Lives and what to expect as a carer.
Will I get any training?
Of course, Shropshire Shared Lives invest in the carer and their role to be able to offer safe, person centred and quality care. Being regulated by CQC ensures we deliver a good service with carers who are skilled and knowledgably to provide the support needed for a person.
Who will support me?
Shropshire shared lives has a team of dedicated staff (find out about the team) who are on hand to provide support, advice and also ensure the arrangement works for all those involved.
You can call us on: 01743 255262
What do I do next?
Let us know if you want to know more, as a question or simply get in touch to start a conversation.
Call us on: 01743 255262
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