Shared Lives

Shared Lives Hounslow logo

 

 

Life happens when we share it

Shared Lives Hounslow connects people who need support with carers who open their homes and hearts. Could you be the person to make a difference?

Carer and cared for person cooking

Shared Lives Hounslow is part of an established nationwide programme that is transforming lives as an alternative to supported living or residential care.

The scheme matches adults requiring support with approved paid carers in the local community. This approach provides a safe family environment that can build long lasting connections and richer communities.

The person may live with the carer, visit them regularly, or a combination of both.

Shared Lives is registered with the Care Quality Commission.

Carer and cared for person in the garden

 

Who's it for?

Shared Lives provides for a range of needs, and offers support for adults with:

  • learning disabliities
  • mental health issues
  • physical disabilities
  • age-related conditions like dementia

Arrangements can be long or short term, day, or respite, providing a level of care that goes beyond the boundaries of conventional support services.

Shared Lives is a caring, human approach that can:

  • nurture long term connections
  • build emotional wellbeing
  • create a genuine sense of belonging

Matching process

The matching process makes sure Shared Lives is right for both the supported person and the carer. The care and consideration taken at this stage is crucial to a successful placement.

We will consider things like:

  • the type of support required
  • skills the carer already has
  • any shared interests between the carer and the supported person

Rewards and benefits

Shared Lives carers have the potential to earn between £300 and £500 a week, plus contributions towards rent and bills, depending on the needs of the person needing support.

As a Shared Lives carer you would be considered self-employed. You will be responsible for paying your own tax and National Insurance contributions, but will receive tax allowances. We will be able to direct you to support and guidance on becoming Self Employed.

Carer and cared for person gardening

Carer and cared for person in the kitchen

What it involves

Shared Lives provides a service in your home to someone who requires support to live independently.

This type of support could include helping the person to:

  • enjoy social activities and meet new people
  • enjoy their favourite hobbies
  • learn new skills
  • keep healthy and active
  • access the community
  • manage their money
  • share jobs like cooking, cleaning or gardening

Case study: Mohinder Dev

Mohinder Dev has been a Shared Lives carer for thirty years. She talks about her experiences here.

I was first interested in a caring role back in the late 1980s when I was a Post Mistress in Hounslow, which had become particularly challenging for reasons most people are aware of.

I eventually took the plunge properly in 1996, through an advert in the local paper. A company called Lifeways were managing Shared Lives at the time. The experience has enriched my life, and I have some lovely memories, with hopefully many more to come.

Amongst some of the people I supported for a long time were siblings in their forties when they came to me. We had a wonderful relationship and became very close. They stayed both with me and in a bungalow local to where we live in Hounslow. They were estranged from their family but through their social worker we found out where some of their family were.  I took them both down to Kent and we managed to reunite them with a brother and then eventually the wider family and bridges were built.  

Every family have disputes, so it was lovely to help, and we have become a big extended family!

Shared Lives carer Mohinder Dev

One eventually moved to a nursing home while the other lived with me until 2018 when she sadly passed away.

When you look after people in this way, you regard them as your family. If not, I could not look after them. I look at them as my own. Not every placement has worked, but that’s normal.  I have four children, and currently have two elderly women in my care.

I guess I’m a born carer!

Have a question?

For the carer

Yes, we have a Shared Lives team who will guide you through the process of becoming a carer while providing ongoing support and training.

You will also have access to Shared Lives Plus portal which contains online guidance and templates.

There is also a network of Shared Lives carers nationwide which you will be able to speak to.

Yes, carers must be able to attend training throughout the assessment process and ongoing training as required.

No formal qualifications are needed, but you must be caring, patient, and willing to undergo training and checks, including household members.

Shared Lives allows for up to 3 people per household. Each person is required to have their own room.

Yes. Shared Lives carers are self employed so you would need to seek advice from an accountant or the tax office around tax and National Insurance.

It’s possible for carers to work full time, but the cared for people placed with them would need to have a high level of independence. In these situations, it’s beneficial to have an additional carer such as a spouse, partner, or adult living in the same home to offer additional support, as necessary. Shared Lives is a flexible scheme, and details can be discussed before the assessment process.

The level of support you can provide and for how long needs to be considered and are among the key factors to be addressed in the assessment process.

No. You would be self-employed and responsible for organising your own tax and National Insurance. We would also require you to join the national organisation Shared Lives Plus for your insurance requirements.

No, not necessarily. You would require written permission from your landlord. Your tenancy agreement should provide more information.

You will require written permission from your mortgage lender to be able to provide a room for Hounslow’s Shared Lives scheme.

Shared Lives carers are paid between £300 and £500 per week for permanent placement depending on the needs of the cared for person. Rates vary for respite days or overnight respite. There will also be a contribution towards rent and bills.

For the cared for person

Yes, you can express preferences for location, such as being near family, friends, or college.

Absolutely. There will be a ‘matching process’ and often trial visits to ensure its right for you.

Yes, you’ll have your own bedroom.

You can specify preferences, and the scheme will try to match you with a suitable carer.

Yes, if needed. Carers are trained to assist with personal care tasks like washing, dressing, and medication.

Contact

If you are interested in a paid role as a Shared Lives carer, you can contact us to find out more or or just to have an informal chat.

Contact us about Shared Lives

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