Shared Lives

Share your home, share your life

Shared Lives is a care and support service for adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health issues, and dementia. It is an alternative to supported living or residential care.

In Shared Lives, a person who needs support moves in with a Shared Lives carer, who opens up their home and family life to them. The carer provides the person with the support they need to live a full and independent life, and to be part of the community.

The service offers both long-term care and short breaks to provide respite to other carers. It's similar to fostering or supported lodgings for children and young people.

Shared Lives is a popular choice for people who need support, and their families. It offers a more personal and supportive approach to care, and it allows people to live in a family home and be part of a community.

Benefits of Shared Lives:

It offers a more personal and supportive approach to care.
It allows people to live in a family home and be part of a community.
It is a flexible and adaptable service that can meet the changing needs of the person who needs support.
It can help people to develop new skills and independence.
It can improve people's quality of life and well-being.

In Plymouth, the Shared Lives service is operated by Shared Lives South West

Find a Host Carer in Devon, Cornwall or Somerset

To discuss any of these vacancies, please call either 01626 360170 or 07849 568525 to speak to one of our team or email enquiries@sharedlivessw.org.uk.

Become a carer

There are more than 300 carers across Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset.

Read the nine-step plan to becoming a carer to get a real feel for the role.

We are here to support you every step of the way and have a designated coordinator to help you through the assessment process.

Frequently asked questions about Shared Lives

What is Shared Lives?

Shared Lives is a care and support service for adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health issues, and dementia. It is an alternative to supported living or residential care.

In Shared Lives, a person who needs support moves in with a Shared Lives carer, who opens their home and family life to them. The carer provides the person with the support they need to live a full and independent life and to be part of the community.

What are the benefits of Shared Lives?

It offers a more personal and supportive approach to care.
It allows people to live in a family home and be part of a community.
It is a flexible and adaptable service that can meet the changing needs of the person who needs support.
It can help people to develop new skills and independence.
It can improve people's quality of life and well-being.

Who can use Shared Lives?

Shared Lives is available to adults aged 18 and over who need support to live independently. This can include people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health issues, dementia, physical disabilities, and sensory impairments.

How do I get started with Shared Lives?

If you are interested in using Shared Lives, you should contact Shared Lives South West . They will assess your needs and match you with a Shared Lives carer.

What is the cost of Shared Lives?

The cost of Shared Lives is based on the person's individual needs and the level of support they require. The person's local authority will usually pay for the cost of Shared Lives.

What is the difference between Shared Lives and supported living?

Shared Lives is a more personal and supportive approach to care than supported living. In Shared Lives, the person who needs support lives with a Shared Lives carer and their family. In supported living, the person who needs support lives in a separate property with other people who need support.

What is the difference between Shared Lives and residential care?

Shared Lives is a more homely and community-based approach to care than residential care. In Shared Lives, the person who needs support lives with a Shared Lives carer and their family. In residential care, the person who needs support lives in a care home with other people who need care.

What are the benefits of Shared Lives for carers?

Shared Lives is a rewarding and fulfilling way to care for someone who needs support. Carers receive training and support from the Shared Lives scheme, and they are paid for their work.

How do I become a Shared Lives carer?

If you are interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer, you should contact Shared Lives South West . They will assess your suitability and provide you with training.

What are some of the unique and original features of Shared Lives in Plymouth?

Plymouth has a strong and active Shared Lives community.
There is a wide range of Shared Lives carers in Plymouth, with a variety of skills and experience.
Plymouth Shared Lives is committed to providing high-quality care and support.

If you are looking to move into a Shared Lives scheme, you might want to think about the following questions, as it will help to ensure you are matched with a suitable carer.

What are your needs and goals?
What kind of support do you need to live independently? What are your goals for the future?
What is your lifestyle like?
What are your interests and hobbies? What kind of environment do you thrive in?
What are your expectations of a Shared Lives carer?
What kind of relationship do you want to have with your Shared Lives carer? What kind of support do you need from them?
What are your concerns about Shared Lives?
Do you have any concerns about moving in with a Shared Lives carer? What are your worries?

It is important to be honest and open about your needs, goals, lifestyle, and expectations. This will help ensure you are matched with a Shared Lives carer who is a good fit for you.

Is the information correct?

Let us know if the information on this page is wrong and needs to be updated.

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