Shared Lives Carers provide support in their own homes to people who have care and support needs. It means that people have an alternative option to living in supported living or residential care.
This is a community-based model of care, which could help people gain independence and be part of everyday community life.
This is a community-based model of care, which could help people gain independence and be part of everyday community life.
"Enabling people to live gloriously ordinary lives, centred in their communities"
Shared Lives Carers support people aged 16 and over with a range of care and support needs.
There are different ways a Shared Lives Carer can support you, including:
Find out more about how you can become a Shared Lives Carer.
There are different ways a Shared Lives Carer can support you, including:
- a long-term stay
- a short break to give you or your usual carer a rest, or
- visits during the day
Find out more about how you can become a Shared Lives Carer.
Watch an introduction to Shared Lives video
What people say about Shared Lives
"My carers help me all the time. If I feel sad, I talk to them. I am very happy and want to stay with them” - M“I have lots of choice. I choose when to get up, what to eat, what to buy and what to wear. I choose if I want to go out or stop in. If I want to do a jigsaw, I just do it. I can go to town on my day off. My bedroom is just nice how I choose” - C
“I get on with all the family very well. They always help me if I have a problem” - J
What to do if you think Shared Lives could be right for you
You need to be referred to Dorset Shared Lives by the Adult Social Care team.If you think that Shared Lives could be the right choice for you, or a family member, talk to your social care worker, or the social care team.
If you don’t know how to contact your social care team, you can ask to have your needs assessed and find out more.
Dorset Shared Lives Scheme inspection report
Care Quality Commission (CQC) overall rating: Good. Report published: 14 March 2020