What can I expect as a Shared Lives Carer once I am approved?

Carers agreement: This agreement is required by regulations and outlines your responsibilities as a Carer and our responsibilities as a provider. you will be required to sign the Shared Lives Carers agreement.

We will only introduce you with Individuals who we believe would be a good match with your household. The project worker will work at a pace that suits you and the Individual by providing tea visits and over-night stays prior to any placements. Your project worker will review the visits with you.

Following the matching process and you are happy with the arrangement it can progress to regular respite stays or long term arrangements. This will be yours and individuals decision.

You will be required to complete all mandatory training and we will help you to identify if further training are required depending on your skills and on the individual`s needs.

You will be essential part of reviewing paperwork, placements and processes.

We hold regular informal meetings for our Shared Lives Carers where Carers can voice their concerns and their views. We also organise social events for our Carers and Individuals including discos.

It is important that our Carers take breaks. We will support you by giving you access to paid respite by using our short break service or other alternative.

When you become a Shared Lives Carer with your local Shared Lives service, you can join to be a Shared Lives Plus member which gives you access to specialist support, legal advice, Specialist insurance, shopping discount and mortgage brokers if you are buying a new house.