Being supported in Shared Lives

Who can benefit from Shared Lives?

If you need support, you may have learning disabilities, physical disabilities, dementia, mental health issues, alcohol/drug dependence or other conditions that make it harder for you to live alone.

Shared Lives may also benefit a young person who has left the care system and needs somewhere to live and a family environment.

This care service is open to you if you have been assessed under the Care Act (2014) with a care needs assessment.

Easy reads:

• What is shared lives?
• Is shared lives for me?
• Shared Lives service guide

Before starting the scheme, you have the chance to get to know the shared lives carer and decide whether you want to spend time together.

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.

What is it like to live with a Shared Lives carer? 

A carer can share not just their home but also their family life with you. This happens as a Shared Lives carer builds a good relationship with you. The benefits of this scheme include helping you to grow in confidence, become independent, socialise, make new friends, learn new skills, improve educational and employment opportunities