Becoming a Shared Lives carer
All Shared Lives carers are subject to an approval process.
When you apply, we will assign a Shared Lives worker to you. They will take you through each stage of the process and answer any questions you might have. If you want to proceed, we'll arrange to come and see you at home.
The approval process includes:
- Assessing your suitability.
- Checking references.
- A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Before we make any placements, carers are also required to complete mandatory training. After this, we pass all the information to an independent panel. They will make the final approval decision.
Matching you with a customer
We always try to match you with a person you can get along with. We base this on your interests, the kind of person you want to support and the support needs of the person. We also try to match people who have similar cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
Your Shared Lives worker will carry out the matching process with you.
Training and support for Shared Lives carers
It usually takes about three to six months to become an approved Shared Lives carer. We provide free training to help you develop the skills, confidence and knowledge to be a good carer. Training is a range of face to face, virtual and e-learning.
Mandatory training is:
- Safeguarding
- First aid
- Medication
- Health and safety
- Person-centred approach
- Moving and handling
Carers are paid for training and receive a certificate on completion
You can also access specialist training, including around mental health, dementia and autism. This will depend on the service you are offering and the needs of the person placed with you.
Ongoing Support
Your Shared Lives worker will be available to support you and keep in regular contact with you. You will have an annual review and regular visits to make sure everything is going well for you and the person you care for.
We will give you details of people you can contact in case there is an emergency. Other carers are often a valuable source of support.
We also hold regular social events. We invite all our carers and the people they support along to enjoy an activity, refreshments and the chance to socialise.