Home Local News Lancashire’s ‘outstanding’ Shared Lives service launches search for new carers

Lancashire’s ‘outstanding’ Shared Lives service launches search for new carers

0

As part of celebrating national Shared Lives Week, Lancashire County Council is looking for carers who could make a real difference to the lives of people living with a disability who need support.

The theme for the week is #SharedLivesTogether, illustrating how Shared Lives not only brings people, families and communities together here in Lancashire but also how it is ideally placed to bring together health, social care and other services.

The Shared Lives concept is similar to foster care for adults, where carers share their home and family life with an adult who needs help or support to live well.

Lancashire’s Shared Lives service is the largest in the country and has recently been recognised as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The service supports 11% of the population of adults with a learning disability in the county and are looking to expand the number of active carers who can offer long term placements across the county. Shared Lives in Lancashire currently supports 377 people in 288 households, with 227 of those receiving long-term care.

County Councillor Tony Martin, cabinet member for adult and community services, said:

“Our Shared Lives carers come from all types of backgrounds and do a superb job. They are friendly, have lots of enthusiasm for the people they look after and find it very rewarding.

“If you have plenty of patience, flexibility, dedication, commitment and a spare room for the person you support to live in, join our team and become a Shared Lives carer.

“People you support could come from any background and everyone requires a different level of care. Some people need advice and guidance whilst others will require more direct support with daily tasks such as cooking, laundry and managing money or budgets.

“What is important is making a match between the person needing support and the Shared Lives carer. Our team works really hard to identify shared interests, pets, hobbies and places that will help build a bond and rapport.

“If you are suitable, you’ll be given all the training and support you need by our Shared Lives team and you will also get a monthly financial allowance, based on the needs of the person you are caring for.

“We want to make the Shared Lives service available to more people and you could help us by becoming a Shared Lives carer.”

Shared Lives has been a huge success nationally and people being supported have said they feel more settled, valued and make friends more easily than with traditional types of care.

Adele who is supported by her Shared Lives carer Margaret, said:

“I had been living with my partner but the relationship broke down and I wanted to move closer to my family who I had lost touch with. I now live with my Shared Lives carer Margaret.

“We get on really well and she has helped change my life. I’ve lost lots of weight, joined the local drama group and made lots of new friends. I feel very positive about my life since I have been supported by Shared Lives.”

The Shared Lives model of care has grown by over 25% nationally in the last two years – and it is hoped that Shared Lives Week 2016 will help to continue this growth.

To find out more about Lancashire County Council’s Shared Lives scheme and becoming a carer, call 01772 531326, email sharedlives@lancashire.gov.uk or visit the county council’s Shared Lives website www.lancashire.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/adult-social-care/shared-lives-carers.aspx.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here