Shared Lives Carers

• Have you got what it takes to be a Shared Lives Carer?
• Why do people become Shared Lives Carers?
• Who can become Shared Lives Carers?
• How long do placements last?
• What if a Placement doesn't work out?

Have you got what it takes to be a Shared Lives Carer?

The people who use Shared Lives need support to take part in community or family activities that most of us take for granted, such as going to the shops, going into the countryside or visiting a museum or theatre.

As a Shared Lives Carer you may offer help for a few hours each week or you may wish to have someone to stay for a few days to give their relatives a break from caring. The Scheme also places people on a longer-term basis (under review) and this may be the kind of support you want to offer.

Experience of helping people is useful but full training will be given to you, hopefully leading to a recognised qualification. Generous allowances are paid to you for the help you offer once you are approved. We need people from all over Tameside, so even if you have only a couple of days to offer you are still needed by the Adult Placement Scheme.

To register your interest in becoming a Shared Lives Carer please use the online form. Please be reassured you are not committing yourself to the scheme if you fill in the form.

Why do people become Shared Lives Carers?

A Shared Lives Carer can help someone with a disability overcome many of the barriers that can occur in daily life.

Shared Carers get a lot of satisfaction from building a relationship with people who use the Scheme. Carers on the Scheme say being a carer is rewarding but it is also a challenge. View personal stories about Shared Lives Carers.

Who can become a Shared Lives Carers?

All types of people can become Shared Lives Carers. What is important is that you can offer your time and be aware of an individual's needs. If you are offering short stays, you should have a room available for the use of the service user.

Shared Lives Carers can be:

• Single people
• Married couples
• Couples living together
• Friends sharing accommodation
• People with children

We will consider people as carers regardless of age, ethnic origin, sexuality or disability.

You do not need qualifications or previous experience. We provide training.

How long do placements last?

It can vary. If you are approved as a Short Term Carer, the placement could be any length of time from one night upwards. All stays are planned in advance to suit you. It may be that you offer care to more than one person, at different times, so you could be quite busy.

Some Shared Lives Carers are prepared to offer short term placements to people in an emergency at very short notice.

Long term placements (under review) are made on a more permanent basis. In effect, your home becomes the service user's home too. Obviously for you, the Shared Lives Carer, this is quite a commitment. You and your family need to think carefully before you go any further with the placement.

We also offer a day service. This may increase the person's independence and allow the family or usual carers to get out and have a break. Day service is usually in the carer's home or assisting the supported person to take part in activities away from their own home.

What if a Placement doesn't work out?

Before a placement goes ahead, the person to be placed, their own Carer and the Shared Lives Carer are introduced and meet over a period of time, getting to know each other. A placement doesn't go ahead until everyone involved is happy about the arrangement.

If at any time during a placement, things aren't working out, other arrangements will be made for the person using the service. For the Shared Lives Carer you can still offer placements to other people.

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Tameside  Shared Lives  Scheme Frederick House Dunkirk Lane Hyde SK14 4QD  View local map
0161 342 5151
0161 342 5265