Shared Lives

Shared Lives matches you with a carer that you live with. Find out more about the types of care, payment, how to apply to get a Shared Lives carer, or how to apply to be one.

What the Shared Lives scheme is

The Shared Lives scheme is a way to support adults and young people over the age of 16 who are unable to live independently. The scheme places a person with a Shared Lives carer, who offers accommodation, care and support in their home.  

Though carers are classed as self-employed, our scheme provides training, ongoing support and pay to Shared Lives carers. You must be approved by the scheme and work within legal requirements as regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). 

We currently offer the following specialisms and services: 

  • learning disabilities 

  • mental health conditions 

  • personal care 

  • physical disabilities 

  • dementia 

  • caring for young people aged 16 to 18 

  • caring for adults  

Types of care Shared Lives carers can provide

Shared Lives carers can provide full-time placements, short breaks, respite or day support from their own homes.

Full-time accommodation and support 

A Shared Lives carer has an individual living with them in their home on a full-time, long-term basis. The individual will need to have their own bedroom, share the day-to-day life of the Shared Lives carer and their families and join in on community life. They are supported and encouraged to live as independently as possible. 

The Shared Lives carer must own or rent their own property and are paid for their care, support, accommodation, utilities and food. 

Day share support 

A day share Shared Lives carer will use their home as a base to offer structured day activities from their own home and the community, usually between 9am and 4pm. This is often seen as an alternative to other day services. 

A Shared Lives carer providing day share support can work with up to 3 individuals at one time.

Individuals do not require their own bedrooms but must have access to toilet facilities and a comfortable shared space where there is sufficient seating for all.  

Short breaks/respite 

Short breaks are an opportunity for individuals with support needs to have a break away from home or respite from other services. The frequency of short breaks varies depending on the preferences of the carer, the person supported and their families. On occasion, supported individuals may have short breaks to allow them and their full-time Shared Lives carers a break.  

An individual staying with a Shared Lives carer for short breaks must have their own bedroom to use. They share the day-to-day life of the Shared Lives carer and their families during their stay. Shared Lives carers must own or rent their own property and are paid for their care, support, accommodation, utilities and food. 

Accessible housing options 

Although not necessary, we are always keen to recruit Shared Lives carers who can offer a home environment that is suitable for individuals with differing physical needs. This could include but is not limited to; 

  • ground floor access
  • step-free or low-step entry
  • space for mobility aids
  • a walk-in shower  

Real life experiences

Lyn and Celia

Shared Lives carer Lyn has Celia living with her. Lyn said: “Being a Shared Lives carer is a great way of life."

Read more about Lyn and Celia's experience.