Our Lives Are Better When Shared

Shared Lives

Shared Lives offers an alternative and flexible type of accommodation, care and support for adults. Our Carers are individuals or couples living in the local community and are fully trained by us. People who live in a Shared Lives setting actively share in the lives and activities of host families.

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Our Stories

Meet some exceptional members of Shared Lives below.

James Ashton

Thomas Halliwell

Glenn Ashton

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James’ Stories

New Directions is my full-time life – everything I do, the people I meet, the friends I have made and most importantly the independence and confidence I have now are all because of New Directions.

I live in Shared Lives, just like my good friend Thomas whose story is also told in here.

For me, Thomas and all the other people here Shared Lives is more than just a service, and I know because I have used lots of others.

The teams here make a difference, I am not the same person I was before I came here. I love going to the New Centre Stage Performing Arts Group and enjoy the drama and being entertaining for everyone. But I wasn’t like that before.

Earlier this year, I helped to put together a presentation to the National Care Forum and even got to go to the conference and to talk in front of the whole audience about our ideas. I couldn’t have done that before.

I will soon be leading the safeguarding training for people within New Directions as well as other people with complex health issues in other places, helping them to stay safe online. This is not something I would have been able to create, let alone deliver to other people, before without the support and confidence I gained being around the team.

Of all the things that I now can do thanks to all the people that have supported across the New Directions teams, one thing stands out, and that’s my voice. Not how I speak, but what I say. I am listened to by everyone at New Directions, from my Shared Lives Carer right through to Mark who runs New Directions.

I am called an Expert by Experience, but really I just give them a piece of my mind and they listen, and they act.

I hope you really listen to the messages in this Review and understand the difference the team makes, whatever the service, on me and others like me. We are all Experts by Experience, and our voice counts.

Thomas’ Stories

I just want everyone to know how independent I am now. That’s what living in Shared Lives has given me. I go swimming, go to the gym, play football, do drama productions and lots of other things. I am part of my community – and I can make my own cup of tea. I can do my washing, and put it away, but that isn’t as much fun.

So about me. I am 39 years old and have been living in Shared Lives with my carer Joe for eight years now. I used to live with my dad and brothers in the family home before, but there was lots of disagreements that could get out of hand. I am a very happy, sociable person who loves to have a laugh and a joke and loves bantering with people, I never get angry and when others do it makes me very sad and unhappy – I don’t like to be sad and unhappy!

I have trouble seeing and hearing, and have a condition called Bardet-Biedl syndrome which means I have a lot of health issues I need to deal with and I really need to work hard to stay healthy and fit.

When I do go out, I have a white stick to help me get around. This was something else Shared Lives helped me with. Joe, my carer doesn’t have to hold on to me and guide me around outside anymore and in my house I can find my way round.

I love my house and my carer Joe, he is always there for me and I love to have our little chats about different things, and especially love how we can have a laugh together we spend a lot of time laughing and joking around – I told you I do love to have a laugh and joke.

Shared Lives really helps me with this. My Shared Lives carer Joe supports me to all my medical appointments and encourages me to speak up for myself and helps me understand what is being said by the doctors. Joe has really helped me understand my condition and what I need to do to stay healthy and safe.

These things have changed my life and I am much more independent and am happy to go places and do things I don’t think I ever would have done before like swimming and going the gym, which I love. I go two times a week and have made so many friends we have a laugh and a joke when we are chilling in the sauna.

As I said, I have to work really hard to stay healthy and fit, I am a big guy but I used to be bigger.

I never really understood what healthy eating was. Joe got to know what I liked and what was good for me and since living in Shared Lives I have lost over 4 stones, my clothes fit better I have actually dropped several sizes.

I really enjoyed picking my new clothes in smaller sizes this was a great achievement for me. I loved buying my LFC tops I am a huge Liverpool football club supporter! I think without this help my health problems could have been a lot worse.

The technology Shared Lives has given me has also helped me to keep in touch with my family and friends. I love to talk to people on my mobile phone or FaceTime on my iPad.

I can do this by myself I just need a little help from Joe’s daughter Sophie to set up my assisted technology and then I’m off phoning people all by myself!

I have an Echo that I talk to and ask to put on songs I like to sing to, I love singing at the top of my voice, letting all the neighbours hear my lovely singing voice – me and the neighbours have a good laugh about my singing.

If there was one thing that showed how independent I am now it would be the NCF (National Care Forum) conference this year.

With my friends James and Glenn we created a presentation for the conference all about our experience in Shared Lives, what it means for us and what it has done for us.

Without the confidence and independence I now have, together with the technology I now use, I don’t think I ever would have been able to work with my friends to create a presentation that made such an impression.

One last thing I want to tell you is I am the happiest I have ever been and me and Joe are the A Team!

Glenn’s Stories

Glenn came to Shared Lives after the unfortunate loss of his father. He is a very creative person who loves writing and gardening. Glenn told us about how writing on his iPad helps him organise his thoughts and feelings. He also talked to us about how online safety safeguarding training helped him feel more confident when using the internet.

Payment, Support, and Training for Shared Lives Carers

Choosing to become a Shared Lives Carer means you won’t navigate this journey alone. Our exceptional Shared Lives Team, recognised with an Good rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), is committed to providing excellent support from the moment you express interest and throughout the application and assessment process.

Payment: As a Shared Lives Carer, you’ll receive a generous allowance ranging from £18,200 to £33,800 annually (£350-£650 per week), paid monthly. This income, which varies based on the level of care required, includes a contribution toward food and utility bills. Certain amounts you receive are exempt from tax due to special tax rules for some Shared Lives carers.

Other Incentives:

Flexible working from home, allowing you to balance duties with family commitments.
Up to four weeks of unpaid respite (for long term carers) to offer a break from your caring responsibilities
Additional benefits, such as eligibility for the Blue Light discount card, details of which can be found on the Blue Light card website.

Support: Our commitment to supporting Shared Lives Carers includes:

On-demand advice through calls or emails.
Routine visits for discussions about your experiences.
Regular newsletters providing crucial information.
Events where you can connect with other Shared Lives Carers in your area.
A comprehensive carers handbook filled with advice, hints, and tips.

Joining Shared Lives Plus: Explore guidance and advice on Shared Lives through Shared Lives Plus, a national organization. For more details, visit the Shared Lives Plus website.

Training: We equip you with all the necessary training for your role as a Shared Lives Carer, irrespective of prior qualifications or experience. Mandatory training courses include:

Shared Lives pre-approval
Safeguarding Adults Training
First Aid
Medication Management
Fire Safety
Infection Prevention Control
Data Protection including GDPR
Mental Capacity (MCA/DoLS)

Periodic refresher training on these topics is required. Additionally, numerous other courses are available to help you develop new skills, fostering both your role as a Shared Lives Carer and your personal growth. Detailed information on training will be provided should you choose to become a carer.

For more information about Shared Lives, please refer to the relevant sections or contact Shared Lives directly.

Information for prospective Shared Lives carers

We understand that becoming a Shared Lives carer is a significant decision, and you’ll likely want to gather as much information as possible before submitting your application.

We are here to answer any of your questions. Simply email: Karen.Bennett@ndirections.org

About Shared Lives

Shared Lives is a distinctive form of care designed for individuals aged 18 and above, specifically catering to those with physical or learning disabilities. Diverging from conventional programs, Shared Lives involves individuals moving into the homes of their caregivers, becoming an integral part of their family life.

Caregivers under the Shared Lives programme receive fees ranging from £350 to £650 per week, accompanied by various other advantages within our expansive Shared Lives team, the largest of its kind in the country.

Our meticulous matching process ensures that individuals receiving support are paired with compatible caregivers. Once integrated into the family household, caregivers play a pivotal role in nurturing the confidence and skills of those they support.

Research substantiates the mutual benefits experienced by both caregivers and the individuals under their care within the Shared Lives framework.

The Responsibilities of a Shared Lives Carer:

Providing a secure and nurturing environment, complete with a spare bedroom.
Offering support on a long or short-term basis.
Accompanying individuals to appointments.
Facilitating participation in holidays and leisure activities.
Assisting with transportation.
Supplying nutritious, balanced meals.
Advocating on behalf of individuals who may struggle to express themselves.
Aiding in the pursuit of voluntary work or employment.
Fostering independence and personal growth.
Assisting with financial matters.
Supporting the safe handling of medication.

Eligibility and Benefits:

Shared Lives is available for adults aged 18 and over, contingent upon a social care assessment indicating their eligibility. The scheme is particularly advantageous for those who:

Desire to live as part of a family but cannot do so with their own.
Wish to remain in their own home but require support in managing independently.
Seek a short break.
Have family or caregivers in need of respite.

Positive Impact of Shared Lives:

Shared Lives provides individuals with the opportunity to reside in a family-oriented environment and integrate into a community. It empowers them to develop confidence and skills for independent living, fostering both existing and new social connections through club participation, activities, and volunteering.

Participants in the program maintain regular contact with their own family and friends. Many individuals in Shared Lives express a sense of settledness and value, often citing it as a transformative experience in their lives.

Becoming a Shared Lives Carer

Qualifications and prior experience are not prerequisites to becoming a Shared Lives Carer. Regardless of your background, we are seeking individuals who are motivated to make a positive impact on someone’s life.

To qualify, you should have a spare room, exhibit patience, maintain a flexible work approach, and be willing to share your home. No prior experience in the care field is necessary, as our dedicated Shared Lives team offers comprehensive training and ongoing support to empower you as a caregiver.

For long-term placements, short breaks, or emergency care, you’ll be expected to provide:

A comfortable, furnished bedroom exclusively for the person during their stay.
Access to communal areas such as the living room, kitchen, bathroom, and garden.
A well-balanced diet, including meals, snacks, and drinks.
Some assistance with day-to-day living, laundry, and personal care.

Your Home:

Owning your home is not a prerequisite for becoming a Shared Lives Carer; any style of home is acceptable as long as it meets fire, health, and safety standards and is well-maintained and decorated.

When applying, you must have resided at your current address for a specified duration. Details of your mortgage provider or landlord will be required for necessary checks during the application process.

We are especially interested in applications from individuals with ground floor accommodation or properties that have already been adapted.

For short breaks, no home adaptations are necessary. In the case of long-term stays, discussions with your Shared Lives worker will determine and arrange any needed adaptations.

Insurance:

Carers are required to arrange Domestic and Public Liability Insurance with coverage valued at £2 million. Guidance on obtaining this insurance can be provided by our team.

Day Share Support

The Shared Lives scheme offers flexibility, benefiting both carers and individuals utilizing the service. Various placement options are available, tailored to the specific needs of those receiving support.

As a prospective carer, you will support someone whose needs align with the type of placement you can provide.

Types of Placements:

Long-Term or Permanent Placements:
- May extend over several months or years, requiring you to provide a spare bedroom for the person to have their own space.
Short Term Breaks:
- Ranging from one night to a few weeks, these breaks can be occasional or planned regularly.
Kinship Support:
- Involves acting as an extended family for someone residing in their own home. Typically, individuals accessing this support have previously lived with the Shared Lives carer and are transitioning to independent living while still requiring assistance with tasks like cooking and budgeting.
Emergency Care:
- Immediate support provided during a person’s family or personal crisis.
Daytime Support:
- Carers offer support for a few hours each day.

Matching Process: Upon approval as a Shared Lives Carer, you will undergo a meticulous matching process to pair you with someone whose needs align with your capabilities. The matching decision is a collaborative one between you and the individual you will support.

The duration of the matching process varies, with a focus on thoroughness and efficiency.

Matching Criteria: To facilitate accurate matching, we:

Consult with the person and their family to understand their preferences and support requirements.
Prioritize matching individuals in the same geographic area with shared interests.
Arrange an introductory period during which the person spends time with the carer.

Introductory Period: The introductory period involves a series of visits, progressing from short visits to overnight or weekend stays. The structure is flexible and contingent upon the satisfaction of all parties involved.

Shared Lives Carer Approval Process:

Becoming a Shared Lives Carer involves a comprehensive application and assessment procedure, ensuring the suitability and compatibility of each caregiver. The process unfolds as follows:

Initial Inquiry:

Start by submitting an inquiry form, prompting us to reach out for an informal discussion.

Application Form:

Complete the official application form to provide essential details.

Home Visits:

Our Shared Lives workers will conduct home visits to better understand your environment.

Carer Profile:

Develop a comprehensive carer profile, offering insights into your background and caregiving approach.

Assessment Comments:

Share your thoughts and comments on the assessment process.

Shared Lives Service Panel:

Attend the Shared Lives Service Panel, where your application will be reviewed.

Timescales:

A panel convenes to assess applications.

While the typical duration of the application process is around three months, variations in timing may occur.

Further Details: For a deeper understanding of each step in the application process, explore the specific sections below.

Application Form

When completing the application form, ensure you provide the following essential details:

Motivation for Becoming a Shared Lives Carer:
- Articulate the reasons driving your decision to become a Shared Lives carer.
Personal Information:
- Furnish personal details about yourself and your household.
Work Experience:
- Outline your current or previous work experience for a comprehensive overview.
References:
- Include two references, both personal and professional, to provide insights into your character and abilities.
Permissions from Mortgage Provider or Landlord:
- Obtain necessary permissions from your mortgage provider or landlord, indicating compliance with residency requirements.
GP Reference:
- Secure a reference from your General Practitioner (GP) to assess your overall health and well-being.
Consent for Enhanced DBS Check:
- Grant consent for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, a crucial step in the assessment process.
- The DBS check involves declaring any criminal convictions or police cautions, with the understanding that having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from becoming a carer.

Home Visit

Advancing to the Assessment Phase:

The subsequent step in the approval process is the assessment, a crucial aspect of our thorough evaluation.

This phase encompasses multiple home visits to you and your family. It is essential that members of your household who reside with you actively participate in these assessments. Their commitment to being part of the Shared Lives Service is imperative. Throughout the visits, we will consult with them to gain valuable insights and perspectives.

Interview with a Shared Lives Member

During this interview, you will have the opportunity to meet an individual supported through Shared Lives. Additionally, one of our Shared Lives workers will be present.

We will pay attention to their initial impressions, including how you made them feel.

The assessment will focus on your interactions with the person and your ability to address their needs effectively.

Carer Profile

As part of your application, it is necessary to create a Carer Profile, outlining what you can provide to someone who joins your household.

Our dedicated Shared Lives team will assist you in developing this profile.

Assessment Feedback

After concluding the assessments, we will document the details in a comprehensive report. You will receive the report, providing you with the opportunity to offer your comments.

Once you are satisfied with the assessment, we will proceed to submit it to the Shared Lives Service Panel for their approval.

Shared Lives Panel Attendance

The subsequent step involves participating in the Shared Lives Service Panel. During this session, panel members will inquire about your motivations for becoming a Shared Lives Carer.

The panel holds the authority to approve your application to become a carer. Upon approval, they will also determine the type of placement you can provide and the number of individuals you can support.

Final Approval Decision

Following the assessments, we will communicate the outcome of your Shared Lives carer approval and provide details of the terms.

Upon approval, you will sign a contract to formalize the Shared Lives Care arrangement with us.

It may take some time to find the right match for the type of placement you can offer.

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Get It Touch

01704 829514

karen.bennet@ndirections.org

Shared Lives is a CQC registered service and has a ‘GOOD’ rating.

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Our Lives Are Better When Shared

Shared Lives

Learn A Little More About

Shared Lives

About

Shared Lives

Payment, support and training for Shared Lives carers

Who can be a Shared Lives carer?

The approval process for Shared Lives carers

Day Share

Support

Information for prospective Shared Lives carers

Shared Lives

stories

Hear from

Shared Lives

Contact

Shared Lives

Other Incentives:

Support: Our commitment to supporting Shared Lives Carers includes:

The Responsibilities of a Shared Lives Carer:

Eligibility and Benefits:

Positive Impact of Shared Lives:

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