Shared Lives Questions and Answers

Can I be a Shared Lives carer if I have a long-term health condition?

What matters is whether you are physically and psychologically able to cope with the demands of supporting someone else. Your health will be considered when applying to be a Shared Lives carer and any long-term conditions are taken into account.

Can I be a Shared Lives carer if I have pets?

Far from getting in the way of being a Shared Lives carer, pets can be an asset and help people to grow in confidence. In fact, so many Shared Lives carers have pets, we reckon it's part of having a caring-nature and liking a full house!

Every animal is different, and your pets will be included in your carer assessment - looking at things like their temperament and behaviour. As a pet owner, you also need to think about how your pet will respond to a new person in your home.

Can my partner become a Shared Lives carer too?

Yes! Being a Shared Lives carer is open to everyone, whether single, in a civil partnership, married, straight, LGBTQIA+, whatever your race or religion.

You can go through assessment as a single carer or as a joint assessment as a couple.

Usually there is a main Shared Lives carer, and if available, you can apply with a support Shared Lives carer - maybe your other adult child, other adult family member or a friend who wants to support you, this is called a family link assessment. These can be great respite options.

Each person you support will have a life that goes beyond your home.

Could I be too young or too old? Is it OK to be single, to have children, or to be living with someone?

Anyone over 18 can apply to become a Shared Lives carer whether you are single, in a relationship, have children, or live alone. And as long as you are fit and healthy enough, there's no upper age limit for Shared Lives carers. Both partners in a couple need to apply and attend training even if one person will be the main carer.

Do I need specific qualifications to be a Shared Lives carer?

No. Being a Shared Lives carer is more about your willingness to support and include someone in your home and community life.

When you are preparing to be a Shared Lives carer you will receive training to help you and your family identify and build upon the skills you already have and develop any new skills you might need.

We require you to complete the All-Wales Induction Framework, to support you in your Shared Lives Carers role.

How do I meet the person I'd be supporting?

Once you've been approved, your Shared Lives Scheme Officer will keep in contact with you and will let you know if we have a possible suitable match.

When you find a potential match it's just like getting to know anyone new - meeting for a cuppa, a walk, or getting something to eat. Then, if you are both happy, the person may visit for a few hours, and then an overnight stay, before you both decide if it's the right match for you.

What will I be asked during the application process?

The scheme will want to make sure that you have the right qualities to become a Shared Lives carer and want to know more about you. Why do you want to work with people who need support? Do you have the ability to empower them, communicate with them, advocate on their behalf and include them as part of your family? Are you willing to work as part of a team, develop your skills and qualities through training and learning and have the resilience to stay strong in times of difficulty?

Will being a Shared Lives carer affect my mortgage or tenancy?

People living in Shared Lives arrangements are provided with a licence agreement which does not offer the same rights as an assured tenancy. So, although Shared Lives arrangements can be long-lasting, people living in Shared Lives arrangements have no claim on the Shared Lives carer's property and should not affect your mortgage.

In the case of short-term breaks the individual is a temporary guest and the carers house is not considered to be their permanent home.

As a Shared Lives carer, will I get a paid break?

Yes, if you support someone on a long-term basis, the Carer and Scheme Agreement states that you will receive 28 nights of respite/short breaks each year. This ensures that the person you support meets new people and has new experiences; it is healthy for everyone to have time apart and take a break.

The Shared Lives team will help coordinate these breaks from the beginning of your arrangements. This includes discussing with the individual where they wish to have their break and involving their social worker to explore short break options, ensuring they have a choice.