The Recruitment Procedure

Carers for the Shared Lives Scheme are known as Shared Lives Carers or SL Carers.

SL carers are ordinary people from a variety of backgrounds, with or without a partner, with or without children, from all walks of life and who live in all kinds of housing.

SL Carers need to be over 18 years of age, able to offer the time and commitment needed to care for someone and able to offer care and support.

The scheme is looking for people with a wide variety of backgrounds, with experience in the care sector. The scheme will provide support and training as needed.

SL Carers work jointly with staff from Guideposts Trust, Health and Adult Community Services.

SL Carers are paid for the services they provide. The level of payment will vary depending on how much care is required. Carers are considered as being self-employed when providing care.

Carer’s Guide

What is the Shared Lives Scheme?

Shared Lives Schemes have been in existence for many years and are a proven success. There are currently over 200 schemes across the country.

The schemes provide an ordinary home environment for people with care needs, offering an alternative to staying in a residential home, supported living environment or hospital. Staying with a family or individual offers the person the opportunity to mix with other members of the household, meet family, friends and neighbours, and to join in the family’s everyday activities.

Shared Lives Placements provide the opportunity for people to lead a more varied life, and to fully participate in their local community. They also provide the opportunity to learn and acquire new skills, which can lead to greater independence. This can be done in a permanent arrangement or with short breaks.

What is a Shared Lives Carer?

Shared Lives Carers welcome into their family and home a person or people with a learning disability, giving them guidance, help and support as required. This involves sharing their home on a long term or short break basis. The person/people become part of the household, having the opportunity to share in every day family life. Most Shared Lives Carers have one person living with them, but Shared Lives Carers can accommodate and support up to three people.