back search

hantsweb

Carers and family support

Information for prospective Shared Lives carers

Who can be a Shared Lives carer?

Single people, couples or families with children can be Shared Lives Carers. No previous experience is needed, however we are looking for people who are enthusiastic, committed, caring, encouraging and sensitive to others needs.

The Scheme is looking for carers who can provide a wide range of care, as the people we help and support have many different needs. Carers can work flexibly around their commitments and can provide:

Help and support for a few hours a week during the day, perhaps teaching someone how to cook or play a sport.
Help and support for a short time, such as a weekend, perhaps while a family carer has a break.
Care and support full time, having someone living with them either for a short or long period.

How does it work?

We match people who we think will get on well together, and we offer placements that suit your requirements. You look after the person in your own home. If you look after someone for day care only then you will not need to give the person a bedroom. If you look after someone short term or long term then the person will need to have their own bedroom.

Two examples of how the Shared Lives scheme works. Please note that these are fictional examples, but they are based around some real stories.

Anne 7kb
Claire and Steve 6kb

What we can offer you

Induction and ongoing training
Day to day support from your local Shared Lives staff.
Contact with other Shared Lives carers.
We will offer placements that suit your requirements.
A regular income while someone is placed with you. Typically a carer can be paid £360.00 gross for each of up to a maximum of three people placed. This would cover food, bills and providing support or care.

All carers on the service are self-employed, not employed by Hampshire County Council, which means that you would pay your own taxes and National Insurance Contributions.

If you feel you might be interested and would like a Shared Lives Manager to visit you to discuss in more detail then please complete the online form

I am interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer, what next?

If you decide that you want to become a Shared Lives carer then you will go through an assessment process, with the support of Shared Lives staff. This process may also include taking up references for other members of your household. You will understand that we have to be absolutely sure that people using the service are safe, so we also arrange for CRB checks (police checks) to be carried out.

We also want to make sure that you have enough space to look after someone extra and that your house is safe. You will need to provide a bedroom for the Service User’s sole use and be willing to share your time with them.