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CARING FOR SOMEONE

Shared lives carers

"I'd like to provide a home for an adult who needs care and support."

Support for shared lives carers

Whether you’re new to caring, or have a wealth of experience, we're here to offer the support you need to help you in your role as a shared lives carer.

Support groups and organisations

Shared lives team

Our shared lives team will support you in your role as a shared carer.

Once your application has been approved, you will be allocated a support worker within the team who will:

  • stay in contact with you and be on hand to help address any issues
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring through regular visits
  • carry out a yearly carer review to check how the placement is going.
How to access this service

You can contact the shared lives team by either of the following methods and leave your name, address and telephone number:

Email SHsharedlives@eastriding.gov.uk
Call the shared lives team on (01482) 881144 (during office hours)

An out of hours emergency team is also available to help. We will provide you with these details when your application is approved.

Carers' meetings

Carers' meetings are held throughout the year to give you the opportunity to meet with other carers and share your experiences. The shared lives team will let you know the dates in advance.

Shared lives plus

Shared Lives Plus provides a range of information about becoming a shared lives carer. They also offer membership that includes shopping discounts, legal support and an online chat room to help you connect with other shared lives carers.

Visit the Shared Lives Plus website

Taking a break

Everyone needs to take a break from time to time, and as a shared lives carer, you can take up to 4 weeks off from your caring role (sometimes more depending on the support needs of the person you are caring for).

We’ll arrange and pay for care suitable for the person you are caring for. This could be:

  • respite care at a residential home - this is usually pre-booked each year in liaison with your support worker
  • respite care with a shared lives respite carer - this is normally organised ahead of time with the respite carer and works on a pattern, such as every fourth weekend.
  • day care - if it is available to the person you care for, it is usually organised on a pattern, such as every Friday.

You can learn about local care homes and day care facilities in our Community and Care Services directory.

How to access this service

If you feel that you, and the person living with you, would benefit from this, please contact your support worker.

Please note: you are only paid for accommodation when the person you care for is not with you.

Preparing to be a shared lives carer