What is Shared Lives?
A Shared Lives carer shares their home and family life with an adult who needs care and support to help them live well.
North Tyneside Shared Lives is regulated by the Care Quality Commission and we individually match trained and approved Shared Lives carers with people who need their support.
Shared Lives carers support adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems, dementia and older people.
Shared Lives offers a different form of care. It enables people to live well and feel independent but not alone. The goal is an ordinary family life, where everyone gets to contribute to real relationships and feel valued.
Shared Lives carers help people to develop and maintain independent living skills, friendships and become active members of their local community. It's about having a sense of belonging. Often people who move into a Shared Lives arrangement are able to do things for the first time in their lives for example learn to cook, make new friends, go on holiday, work or volunteer.
Shared Lives carers are trained, approved and paid an allowance. They are not paid by the hour. Shared Lives carers, their families and friends do a lot for which they don't expect to be paid, because they have chosen to share their lives with an individual who they treat as one of the family.
Government inspectors consistently rate Shared Lives as an exceptionally safe and effective form of care.
Shared Lives carers and those they care for are matched for compatibility and then develop real relationships with the Shared Lives carer acting as extended family, so that someone can live at the heart of the community in a supportive family setting.
The flexibility of this approach means that Shared Lives carers can provide support for lots of different people and situations. Support can be on a long term basis or respite or for support during the day.
Shared Lives carers are dedicated and passionate about the support they provide. They come from all walks of life. They offer time and encouragement to the person they care for in a stable and supportive home. This often develops into a long term rewarding relationship.
You can find out more about Shared Lives by viewing our video
