Shared Lives means people who need care and support can choose to become part of a real family, instead of staying in a residential facility or being looked after by a team of support workers.
Shared Lives offers people the opportunity to live in a family environment, allowing them to become part of a community, where they can maintain existing friendships and develop new ones to help them gain the confidence and skills to become as independent as possible. The people with learning difficulties living in Shared Lives will continue to maintain relationships and community links.
The outcomes of Shared Lives can be startling, with people reporting feeling settled, valued and like they belong for the first time in their lives. They make friends and get involved in clubs, activities and volunteering, often for the first time.
Who can use Shared Lives?
The scheme is open to any adult who has a social care assessment that indicates they are eligible for, and would benefit from, the Shared Lives service.
Our Shared Lives carers support people who are over 18, eligible for social care services and need support to live in the community if:
- they cannot live with their own family but want to live as part of a family;
- they want to stay in their own home but would like to receive support as they struggle to manage on their own;
- they want to take a short break;
- their own family or carers want to take a break or holiday;
- their carer is ill or needs a rest.
Take a look at our animation to find out more: Shared Lives animation
Payments for carers
Long term carers are paid up to £505 per week, in addition there will be an opportunity to take up to 28 days a year respite.
You can find more details on the page about support for our carers.
Newcastle's Shared Lives service
Recognising the positive outcomes for adults in a Shared Lives placement, Newcastle is looking to expand. The service has recently been recognised as 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The Shared Lives service is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who carry out an inspection of the service each year. This is carried out to ensure that all our Shared Lives arrangements are being carried out in accordance with the person's wishes and with both the Shared Lives Service and the carer's contract.