What is a Shared Lives Carer?
Shared Lives is a unique and highly-regarded form of social care where individuals and families open their homes to support an adult with care needs. It's an alternative to traditional residential care, offering a more personal, community-integrated living arrangement. Carers, who are self-employed and work from home, welcome someone into their family life, providing support that can range from full-time living arrangements to short breaks and daytime support. This model helps people with learning disabilities, mental health conditions, or other needs to live fulfilling, independent lives within a supportive household and community.
The Application and Approval Timeline: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
While the prospect of making a profound difference is appealing, it's important to understand the commitment involved, starting with the application process. The journey from initial enquiry to final approval is thorough to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved. On average, you can expect this process to take between three to six months, though it can sometimes be longer depending on individual circumstances and the schedule of the approval panel.
Step 1: Initial Enquiry and Application (Weeks 1-2)
Your journey begins when you reach out to your local Shared Lives scheme. This typically involves filling out an online form or making a phone call. A scheme coordinator will have an informal chat with you to discuss what being a carer entails and answer your preliminary questions. If you decide to proceed, you'll be sent a formal application form to complete.
Step 2: Home Visit and Preliminary Checks (Weeks 3-4)
A social worker or coordinator from the scheme will arrange to visit you at home. This serves two main purposes:
- Assessing Suitability: They will check that your home is safe, welcoming, and has a spare bedroom suitable for an adult.
- In-depth Discussion: It’s a chance for you to ask more detailed questions and for the scheme to get to know you better.
Step 3: The Formal Assessment (Weeks 5-12)
This is the most in-depth part of the process. The assessment involves a series of meetings with your assigned social worker. They will gather information about your life history, your family, lifestyle, support networks, and your motivations for becoming a carer. Honesty and openness are key.
During this stage, the scheme will also conduct several crucial background checks:
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: An enhanced check is required for you and any other adults in your household.
- References: You'll need to provide personal and sometimes professional references.
- Health Check: A medical check to ensure you are fit and able to take on the role.
- Property Checks: This may include health and safety assessments and, if you rent, permission from your landlord.
All this information is compiled into a detailed assessment report, which you will have the chance to read and comment on.
Step 4: Mandatory Training (Weeks 13-18)
Once the initial checks are passed, you'll begin mandatory training. This is provided free of charge and covers essential topics to prepare you for the role. The format is often a blend of online e-learning and in-person sessions. Core subjects include:
- Safeguarding Adults
- First Aid
- Medication Management
- Health and Safety
- Person-Centred Care
- Equality and Diversity
Step 5: The Approval Panel (Weeks 19-24)
This is the final step. Your assessment report is presented to an independent Shared Lives Panel. This panel consists of social care professionals, experienced carers, and sometimes individuals who use Shared Lives services. You will be invited to attend the meeting to answer any final questions. The panel then makes a recommendation on your suitability. If approved, you officially become a Shared Lives carer!
Shared Lives Carer vs. Other Care Roles
To provide clarity, here is a comparison between being a Shared Lives carer and other common care roles.
| Feature | Shared Lives Carer | Domiciliary (Home) Carer | Care Home Assistant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Location | Your own home | Client's home | Residential care facility |
| Employment | Self-employed | Employed by an agency | Employed by the care home |
| Living Arrangement | The person lives with you | You visit multiple clients | You work shifts at the facility |
| Support Model | Integrated into family life | Task-based visits (e.g., 30-60 mins) | Rota-based care for many residents |
| Flexibility | High (work from home) | Low (fixed visit schedule) | Moderate (shift patterns) |
After Approval: The Matching Process
Becoming approved doesn't mean someone moves in the next day. The scheme then begins a careful and considered matching process. They look for a good fit based on personality, lifestyle, interests, and the specific support needs of the individual. You and the person being supported both have the final say on whether the match feels right. This can involve introductory visits, starting with a cup of tea and building up to overnight stays, before committing to a long-term arrangement.
In conclusion, while becoming a Shared Lives carer is not an overnight process, the thoroughness of the three-to-six-month journey ensures that both carers and the people they support are well-prepared, safe, and well-matched for a successful and rewarding relationship. For more information, a great resource is the national charity for shared living, Shared Lives Plus.
