Could you care for a vulnerable adult in your home?

What do Shared Lives carers do? 

• Some Shared Lives carers offer respite care, meaning they are able to provide short-term support, for example at weekends or a few days at a time.

• Others decide to have people living with them on a long-term basis. 

We are always looking for carers of both types in Lewisham. 

Who can become a Shared Lives carer?

All kinds of people can become Shared Lives carers, for example:

• couples or single people
• anyone over the age of 21
• families with or without children
• homeowners or tenants

You should have a desire to help people with additional needs to be as independent as possible in a family environment. 

You must live in the borough and have at least one spare bedroom in your home.

What you get as a carer

Support

• training

• careful matching of the person with you and your family

• regular support from the Shared Lives coordinator

• regular support meetings with other carers

• access to other services and professionals in Lewisham

• access to support from Shared Lives Plus, the national organisation. 

Pay 

• You will be paid a weekly fee and will be self-employed. This means you will be responsible for making your own national insurance and tax payments.

• You will also benefit from tax concessions.

• Although you are paid, our carers feel that the scheme is more of a lifestyle choice than a job.

Becoming a carer 

• Becoming a Shared Lives carer is an in-depth process, similar to becoming a foster carer. It includes a very detailed assessment, police check and references.

• Shared Lives is monitored by the Care Quality Commission, who ensure that care is provided to a high standard.

Register your interest 

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer, please fill in the online form and we will contact you.