Karen is one of the family. She loves going out shopping, playing bingo and interacting with people and we let her do what she wants to do – she can be her own person. We go out a lot together and she comes to work with me. I have got my best buddy with me.
Tracey Ahmet
What is Shared Lives?
In Havering, Shared Lives is an alternative form of support which is available for vulnerable adults and young people aged 16 and above.
The support is provided within the family home of a registered Shared Lives Carer and can be for a short period of time, long term or even for day support.
People using Shared Lives are supported by their Shared Lives carer to develop or maintain independent living skills, friendships and live as part of their local community; giving them a sense of wellbeing in a safe and supportive environment.
Who can access Shared Lives?
To access the Shared Lives service you have to be aged over 16 with a social care and support need under the national eligibility criteria, which can include adults living with:
- learning disabilities
- autism
- mental health needs
- elderly or frail needs
- physical disabilities
- sensory impairments
- long-term health conditions
- dementia
The service can also provide support to:
- young adults with eligible needs transitioning from children’s to adult services
- those requiring short-term support as a step down from hospital or as respite care for their carer
- those misusing substances
- offenders
The service is also available for those self-funding their care.
How does Shared Lives work?
Once a referral is made to Havering’s Shared Lives Scheme a member of the team will call you to arrange to come and visit you to discuss your needs.
Following this, if you would like to explore this option further they will arrange for you to meet with a number of carers so that you can be matched with someone you have similar interests to and feel comfortable with.
You will be able to go and visit the carer several times before deciding if you want to live with them.
Is Havering Shared Lives regulated?
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) consistently rate Shared Lives as the safest and most effective forms of care and support and this continues to remain the case under their new inspection regime.
Shared Lives carers are assessed and approved following a rigorous process.
They receive training specific to the support they provide and receive regular monitoring from the Shared Lives scheme.
Get care through Shared Lives
Contact us about getting an assessment today.
Complete our online enquiry form and we can call you back or respond by email.
info@haveringsharedlives.co.uk
020 8519 9536
You can also contact Havering’s Adult Social Care team by calling 01708 432000.
If it’s an emergency and outside our usual office hours you can call 01708 433999.