Introduction
There is lots of information and advice for people with a learning disability.
A good place to start is the Somerset Community Connect website. It has lots of information about equipment, community support and what services are available that you can find out about and arrange for yourself.
To find out how social services can help, please start at our ‘Social Care – What we do’ page.
The Shared Lives scheme and who can use it
The scheme provides family-based support for adults with learning or physical disabilities, or mental health difficulties if they are eligible following a care assessment. It is for adults who wish to move on from where they currently live, for example living at home with parents.
It is an alternative to more traditional residential accommodation.
Families can support up to three people, by welcoming them into their home and supporting them to take part in their community and be part of family life. Stays can be for any length of time, from a weekend to a life-time.
Schemes are registered with the Care Quality Commission.
If you want to find out more about using the Shared Lives Scheme, please contact your social worker and ask them to discuss the scheme with you.
You can find some more information in ‘Could you be a Shared Lives carer?‘
Being a Shared Lives carer
Anyone over the age of 18 can be a Shared Lives carer. The scheme is open to couples, families or single people, and to home owners or tenants.
What a Shared Lives carer needs to provide
You would be asked to provide personal care, meet any particular religious, ethnic or cultural beliefs, as well as providing the everyday support for other family members, such as shopping, cleaning and getting involved in hobbies and social activities.
The application process is understandably thorough and can take 3 to 6 months. It includes home visits, DBS and health and safety checks, and registration with the Care Quality Commission.
A good financial package is offered. Please contact us to find out more.
View our Care Quality Commission rating and report
