Shared Lives

A carer for Shared Lives opens their home, family life and community life to an adult who has support needs. For example, this could be someone with learning disabilities, dementia or mental ill-health. Shared Lives carers and adults with support needs are given the chance to meet each other before the carer starts supporting them. The Shared Lives scheme is flexible and can be tailored to meet individual needs.

Types of care

There are three kinds of care Shared Lives provide.

Day support 

The Shared Lives carer supports the adult to do things in the community such as going out to the shops together, going to the cinema or on a day trip somewhere. They could also spend time at the Shared Lives carer's house developing independent living skills such as cooking and activities of daily living.

Short breaks

Where the person has overnight stays at the Shared Lives carer's home whilst their parent/carer has a break from their caring role.

Long term support

Where the person moves in and lives with the Shared Lives carer and their family. 

Find out more about the types of support Shared Lives provides.

How can I move in with a Shared Lives carer?

The first step to getting help is to contact social services on 01332 640777 and ask for an assessment. If you and your social care worker both agree that Shared Lives would work for you, then a member of the Shared Lives team will come out and meet you. After that meeting, we will start trying to match you with a Shared Lives carer. For example, if you like music and dancing, we’ll try and find a carer who also enjoys those things. You’ll get to meet the person before they become your Shared Lives carer and we will make sure we listen to you and what you need.

Find out how we can support you to move in with a Shared Lives carer

How can I become a Shared Lives carer?

Anyone can apply to become a Shared Lives carer, email sharedlives@derby.gov.uk.   You can choose whether you want to provide day support, short breaks or long term support. If you are interested, you can meet one of our team who will explain the scheme to you and help you decide if it’s right for you.

We’ll need to obtain references and also check to see if you have a criminal record and we’ll provide full training. You will also be expected to go on some training courses.

Find out how we can support you to become a Shared Lives carer

What if Shared Lives doesn’t work for me?

If Shared Lives isn’t working for you just let your social care worker or a member of the Shared Lives team know and we will work with you to try and solve any issues. But it is your choice and you can stop the support if that’s what you want.

Contact

If you’d like to become a Shared Lives carer, let us know.

To be helped by Shared Lives, speak to your social care worker, or get in touch.

• Email: sharedlives@derby.gov.uk
• Call: 01332 640777

Opening times are between 8.30am to 5pm.

Care Quality Commission Rating

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is an independent regulator of health and social care in England. It regulates care provided by the NHS, local authorities, private companies and voluntary organisations. Their aim is to make sure better care is provided for everyone, in hospitals, in care homes, in people's own homes, or elsewhere.