Tameside's Two Generations of Shared Lives Carers

A TAMESIDE family have provided care and support through the Shared Lives Scheme for two generations.

This Shared Lives Week (24-30 June), couple Lisa and Mike from Dukinfield have shared their story of how they came to be Shared Lives Carers for Kieron, 37, who has complex support needs.

Shared Lives empowers adults with a range of needs to live an independent life in their local community by living with or sharing their daily life with a Shared Lives Carer.  This support can be long-term, respite, or day support and in this case, it is long-term support.

Lisa’s parents Jean and John provided foster care for Kieron from 15 months old and Lisa was 11 years old when he arrived. Both her parents continue to care for him as Shared Lives Carers up until 2022 when her father became ill, and her mother struggled to care for him on her own. 

Lisa regularly provided respite for them and says seeing them struggle had ‘really sown the seed’,  her and Mike decided that they wanted to take over and continue to support Kieron through Shared Lives.

Now both Mike, Lisa and their children have been caring for Kieron for almost three years and ‘wouldn’t have it any other way’. Lisa’s parents sold their house to the couple and downsized. Kieron has lived in the house almost his entire life and so the family moving in meant that they didn’t have the challenge of transitioning him into a new space or introducing him to new people.

Lisa said: ‘I grew up alongside Kieron and provided respite for my parents over the years, so I had no doubts that we had to continue caring for him when my parents were not able to. Moving into my parents’ house really helped Kieron by making the change a gradual transition. We’ve really been able to make this house into our home and adapt the space to suit his needs too.’’

Not only do Lisa and Mike care for Kieron, but their own children (over 18) provide short term respite for during the week as Personal Assistants through Direct Payments. Lisa and Mike, both say it is such a ‘rewarding role’ and they feel they are well supported and listened to by Tameside Council’s Shared Lives team.

Executive Member for Adult Social Care Councillor John Taylor said: ‘’This unique and heartwarming story really shows the dedication of our Shared Lives Carers and proves what a rewarding role it can be. Thank you to Lisa, Mike, Lisa’s parents and their children for providing outstanding and unwavering support to Kieron.’’

Tameside Council recruit, train, match, and support people over the age of 18 to become Shared Lives Carers. No formal qualifications are expected, welcoming people from different backgrounds, with different skills and life experience. Find out more at www.tameside.gov.uk/sharedlivescarers

Find out more about how the scheme can support adults with a range of needs at www.tameside.gov.uk/sharedlives , call 0161 342 5151 or email sharedlives@tameside.gov.uk