What you need to be a Shared Lives carer

Find out what it takes to be a Shared Lives carer, get more information on the assessment and matching processes, and make an enquiry.

Become a Shared Lives carer 

We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life to become Shared Lives carers. You could be a couple or single, with or without children, a homeowner or tenant. An approved Shared Lives carer can support up to 3 adults at a time. 

Our Shared Lives carers: 

  • provide care, support and accommodation 
  • are committed to keeping up to date with various training and development courses 
  • treat people equally and inclusively 
  • support people whilst encouraging independence 
  • can communicate well with others 
  • support people to enjoy a variety of work, educational and other valued and fulfilling daytime activities 

Shared Lives is about sharing family and community life, not putting your own life on hold. Many Shared Lives carers continue with their hobbies, social activities, holidays and family commitments. In some cases, the person you support may enjoy joining you in activities, while at other times alternative support arrangements may be available.

Some Shared Lives carers work part-time, work from home, are retired, or have other flexible commitments alongside their Shared Lives role. We'll discuss your circumstances during the assessment process to ensure any arrangement can meet the person's support needs.  

We recognise the importance of carers maintaining their own wellbeing and can discuss respite and support options where appropriate. 

To become an approved Shared Lives carer, you need to: 

have a spare room that meets required standards (unless offering day share support)

Room requirements

The room should be suitable for someone to live in and have adequate space for at least a single bed and storage for clothing and personal belongings. 

Your Shared Lives Officer will discuss any specific requirements during the assessment and complete a home safety check.  

Day support arrangements do not require a spare bedroom but the people you support will need access to communal areas such as a lounge, kitchen and bathroom. 

be willing to welcome someone with support needs into your home 

pass a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check - you will need to complete a new DBS application with us even if you already hold a DBS. We usually start the DBS process after our initial visit if everyone agrees to go ahead.

have reference checks 

take part in a thorough assessment process 

receive training  

take part in a selection process

What happens in the assessment process

The Shared Lives assessment process is designed to help us get to know you, your household and the support you could offer. 

Your Shared Lives Officer will guide you through every stage of the process. You'll be asked about your background, family life, experience, values and reasons for wanting to become a Shared Lives carer. 

As part of the assessment, we will complete a range of checks, including: 

  • enhanced DBS checks 
  • personal and professional references 
  • health declarations 
  • home health and safety assessments 
  • checks relating to pets, vehicles and household members where appropriate 

We will also discuss practical matters such as home insurance, landlord permission (if applicable), and any mortgage or tenancy requirements. The process is thorough because the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved is our priority. Most applicants tell us they find the process supportive and rewarding. 

Once your assessment is complete, it will be presented to the Shared Lives Approval Panel. The panel is an independent group of people who help ensure that all Shared Lives carers are assessed fairly and consistently. Members may include experienced Shared Lives carers, social care professionals and people with lived experience of support services. 

The panel will have read your assessment in advance and will want to meet you to learn a little more about you and your household. This is an opportunity for you to talk about the support you would like to provide. Your Shared Lives Officer will support you throughout the process and attend panel with you. 

The panel's recommendation is then considered before a final approval decision is made. 

How the matching process works

Most people referred to the Shared Lives scheme live within Brighton & Hove or the surrounding areas. 

Matching is one of the most important parts of Shared Lives. We take time to get to know both Shared Lives carers and the people looking for support to ensure arrangements have the best possible chance of success. 

We always aim to make matches that work for both the person being supported and the Shared Lives carer. We consider factors such as: 

  • interests and hobbies 
  • personality and lifestyle 
  • support needs 
  • location 
  • cultural or religious preferences 

We will also discuss the types of support needs you feel comfortable supporting and any preferences you may have regarding the people you support. 

You will have opportunities to meet and get to know someone before any arrangement starts, and no placement will proceed unless everyone feels comfortable. 

Make an enquiry

Shared Lives
More information about Shared Lives