Shared Lives Scheme

• What is a shared lives placement?
• What can a shared lives placement provide?
• Can I be a shared lives carer?
• Do shared lives carers get paid?
• Who are the shared lives carers and what do they do?
• How are carers assessed?
• What is the profile of a shared lives carer?
• How do I get on a shared lives placement?
• How much does it cost?
• How do I find out more?
• Who do I contact for more information?

What is a shared lives placement?

Shared lives carers provide support to adults with disabilities to enable them to live their life in the community.

The shared lives scheme helps you to:

• Live independently,
• Maintain and enhance your physical, emotional and spiritual well being,
• Protects you from harm
• Is tailored to your needs

 

What does the shared lives scheme provide?

• Day care in the shared lives carer’s home
• Shared breaks in the shared carer's home
• Long- term accommodation and support

In all circumstances, you can enjoy a change in the company of the carer. It gives you the opportunity to take part in activities, outings or you can simply choose to relax.

Watch a two minute introductory video clip about the Shared Lives Scheme - Part of a Happy Shared Lives Family:

 

Aberdeenshire Council Shared Lives Scheme would like to thank STV for giving their permission for use of this clip.

Can I be a shared lives carer?

This is a rewarding job that you can do from home and you can make a real difference to people's lives. We welcome carers from differing cultural and ethnic backgrounds, with varied skills and experiences. You would be carefully matched with your prospective service users, taking into account everyone's lifestyles and interests. Shared lives carers are supported by the schemes workers to allow carers to offer consistent, individual and flexible care.

 

Do shared lives carers get paid?

Yes. The amount carers receive varies according to the care and support needs of each service user.

 

Who are the shared lives carers and what do they do?

Shared lives carers share their homes and lives with you.

Carers offer practical and emotional support for up to two people at any one time.  This depends on:

• Your individual needs
• How much support you need, and
• How much support the shared lives carer can offer.

The shared lives carer will be assessed and trained as a carer for this scheme. Allowing them to meet the individual needs of each person staying with them. 

We welcome carers who are couples, single, with or withour children.

 

How are carers assessed?

The scheme recruits, assesses, approves and supports shared lives carers.

Carers are assessed using the National Association of Adult Placement Services (NAAPS) framework.

The assessment of prospective carers includes:

• Pre-application meeting
• Completion of shared lives application form
• Satisfactory completion of references and disclosure checks
• Health checks
• Approval of completed carer assessment form

 

What is the profile of a shared lives carer?

A shared lives carer:

• Lives in Aberdeenshire, on their own or with a family
• Has the time, energy and commitment to help a vulnerable adult live independently
• Provides a homely, safe, enjoyable and supportive place to stay or live

The shared lives scheme will register with the Care Commission.

 

How do I get on a shared lives placement?

A social worker / care manager will refer you if you would like to know more about the scheme.

You are individually assessed to determine what level of support you require.  Your needs, likes and interests are identified so shared lives carers and users of the scheme are carefully matched.

For example:

• You may enjoy a stay in the country where it is peaceful and like to help with animals, or
• You have a part time job so your placement needs to be close enough to support this, or
• You would like a holiday with a shared lives carer who will have time to make you feel special.
  

How much does it cost?

If you are using the scheme you pay a contribution towards your living expenses.

Shared lives carers receive a payment from us.

 

How do I find out more?

Take a look at our quarterly newsletter - Care and Share. Read about our shared lives carers and people using the service's stories. Find out about the sharing of experiences, updates and current information on the shared lives scheme and much more.

• Care and Share newsletter Spring 2012 (pdf 2.60Mb)
• Care and share newsletter Christmas 2011 (pdf 1.68Mb)
• Care and share newsletter Autumn 2011 (pdf 691kb)
• Care and Share newsletter Summer 2011 (pdf 1.05Mb)

 

Who do I contact for more information?

If you would like to use this scheme or become a carer please contact:

The Shared Lives Team
Carlton House (map)
Arduthie Road
Stonehaven
AB39 2DL

Tel: 01569 768418