Shared Lives

The service is broken down into the following categories;

• Long Term Care - means that you will live with a family you choose (called shared carers) on a permanent basis. You will have your own room and furniture but will share some facilities. You will be provided with meals, drinks, and support to participate in social activities.
• Short breaks - Means you will visit a family for a period of time, which can be overnight stays to weeks, with an agreed end date. Your bedroom can be decorated and furnished to your liking. You will have your own room and furniture but will share some facilities. You will be provided with meals, drinks, and support to participate in social activities.
• Emergency Care - We have shared lives carers that can support individuals at concise notice to help manage emergencies. I.e. Your parent or carer may be rushed to the Hospital. In these situations, we can keep you for as long as required.
• Day Care up to 8 Hours - We can offer daycare services tailored to your requirements. The service can be delivered in the shared lives homes or out in the community. With this service, you tell us what you want to do, i.e. be supported to manage your care, and visit places of interest in the community. We match you up with a carer so that you can do it.

At Shared Lives, we understand that everyone has unique needs and preferences. We talk to you to find out what you're looking for in a home and then try to find a family home that matches your needs. You can spend time with your Shared Lives Carer and in the home before deciding whether it's the right fit for you. We want to ensure that you feel comfortable and supported in your new home.

Access Shared Lives

• If either Nottingham City Council or Healthcare funds you, you can access the Shared Lives service by speaking to your allocated social worker. If you don't have an allocated social worker, contact 0300 1310 300 and select option 2.
• If you are self-funded, don't hesitate to contact Shared Lives to find out how to access the service.

If a placement doesn't work out

Before a placement, you, your carer and the Shared Lives Carer are introduced and met over time, so you can get to know each other. A placement doesn't happen until everyone involved is happy about the arrangement.

If things aren't working out for you at any time during a placement, please talk to your Adult Placement Officer. They will try to sort things out for you.

If you are still not happy, you can make a complaint.

HMRC e-learning for Shared Lives carers

Shared Lives carers are treated by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as being self-employed. They will need to register with them as being self-employed.

HMRC provides an online training course to help Shared Lives carers do this and provide them with other helpful information such as National Insurance, care relief, and tax credits.

Finding out more about Shared Lives

If you feel you would benefit from the Scheme or know someone who might benefit, don't hesitate to contact us for an informal chat by calling us on 0115 876 5846 or online.