Shared Lives Carers

Shared Lives Carers need: compassion, patience, flexibility, dedication, good problem-solving skills, excellent communication, negotiation skills, commitment and a spare room in their home.

The key to Shared Lives is the safety and wellbeing of the person being looked after, so applicants can expect to undergo a number of checks during and after the assessment process.

The home of a potential Shared Lives Carer needs to meets our fire, health and safety requirements and be in good repair and decoration. Ongoing safety checks are carried out once approved as a Shared Lives Carer.

Shared Lives Carers will need to provide:

  • a comfortable, furnished bedroom for the person to have sole use of during their stay
  • use of the communal areas in the home, such as living room, kitchen, bathroom and gardens
  • a healthy, varied diet including meals, snacks and drinks
  • some help with day-to-day-living, such as laundry and personal care
  • care and support according to the persons Care, Support and Wellbeing Plan

If would like to be considered as a Shared Lives Carer:

  • you will need to work positively with the Shared Lives Stoke team
  • you will have to go through an assessment, including an application form, DBS, references, home visits, training, health and safety checks as well as meeting the knowledge and skills statements - the approval process usually takes around three months, your allocated Coordinator supports you through the assessment process.
  • you may be asked to complete the Care Certificate if you don't have any formal qualifications in adult social care such as NVQs or Diplomas, we can support you to do this.
  • Once your assessment is complete it needs to be approved at the independent panel

Once approved and sharing your life with someone:

  • you'll get regular visits from Shared Lives Stoke to ensure you are manging well and that the person staying with you is happy with the service you are providing.
  • you will receive an allowance for the care and support you provide (calculated based on their level of need)
  • have opportunities to meet other Shared Lives Carers and access information sessions.
  • be offered free training
  • have an allocated Coordinator to support and guide you
  • 24hr support from the Shared Lives Stoke team