Become Shared Lives carer

We are a support service for people aged over 18 who want help to live independently in their community, with the support of a Shared Lives carer. We are an alternative to day care, supported living and residential care and serve communities across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

We consist of experienced professionals with backgrounds in Education, Health and Social Care. We are bound by the Code of Professional Practice in Social Care (Wales), and our scheme is registered with the Care Inspectorate Wales.

Our scheme has been running since 2004, and provides hundreds of long term and short break arrangements each year. We are sustained by a dedicated group of Shared Lives carers who specialise in working with people with learning disabilities, neurodiversity, mental health conditions as well as step-down from hospital, dementia and older people’s services.

What we do 

We provide individuals with permanent homes, short-term accommodation and short break (respite) services. We do this by recruiting and training people with "time to care and room to share". Our carers live across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, and we are able to match an individual and Shared Lives Carers according to location, type of property and shared interests.

Being a Shared Lives carer is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It involves opening your home and life to an individual with care needs, providing them with support, companionship, and a family-like environment. We can offer you excellent training and continuous support and earn from £495 per week.

As a Shared Lives carer, you have the opportunity to support someone from your own home, including support during day time hours, overnight (short breaks), short-term and long-term care arrangements. The team at West Wales Shared Lives will match a carer and an individual who needs support by things like common interests, lifestyle choices and personalities. We want you and the person placed with you to enjoy your time together and experience the benefits of working with us.

Fiona and Nigel, long-term carers for Gabrielle, describe the work as “life changing”, whilst acknowledging that they could not do it without the support of West Wales Shared Lives, as it provides them with a steady income. Fiona said, "You couldn't just do this as a job, you have to feel this is something you want to do” continuing "[Gabrielle] is very much a part of our family and all our family are very close to her”.

While Emily, who recently became a short break carer sees it as a way of helping people, whilst being able to work flexibly. Sarah, who sometimes stays with Emily describes how the relationship with Emily and other Shared Lives Carers has boosted her confidence, stating it is “the best thing that ever happened to me”.

Here are some aspects of what it's like to be a Shared Lives carer:

• Personal connection and relationships: As a Shared Lives carer, you have the opportunity to develop deep and meaningful relationships with the individual you support. You become an extended family member and provide them with a sense of belonging and connection.
• Creating a supportive environment: You help to create a nurturing and inclusive environment within your own home. You offer a safe and welcoming space where the individual can live and thrive, ensuring their physical, emotional, and social well-being.
• Individualised care and support: Each person has unique care needs, and as a Shared Lives carer, you provide personalised support tailored to their specific requirements. This may include assisting with daily activities, budgeting, personal care, medication management, meal preparation, and facilitating community participation.
• Promoting independence and empowerment: Your focus will be on promoting the independence of the individual they support. You will encourage and empower  individuals to make choices, develop skills, and participate in decision-making processes to the best of their ability.
• Flexibility and adaptability: Being a Shared Lives carer requires you to be flexible and adaptable. You may need to adjust your routines, provide support during different times of the day or night, and respond to changing needs or situations.
• Training and support: Shared Lives schemes provide training, guidance, and ongoing support to carers. This helps to ensure that you have the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to provide quality care and handle any challenges that may arise.
• Collaboration and teamwork: You will often work collaboratively with other professionals involved in the individual's care and support, such as social workers or healthcare providers. This teamwork helps create a holistic and coordinated approach to the individual's support and well-being.
• Continuous learning and personal growth: Being a Shared Lives carer offers opportunities for your personal growth and learning. You will gain valuable insights into different experiences and perspectives, develop new skills in caregiving and communication, and enhance your understanding of diverse needs and abilities.

It's important to note that being a Shared Lives carer can also present challenges and requires patience, empathy, and resilience. However, many carers find it immensely rewarding to make a positive impact on a persons life and contribute to their overall happiness and well-being.

What personal qualities and attributes do we look for?

Shared Lives carers should possess qualities such as;

• Empathy
• Patience
• Good communication skills
• A genuine interest in supporting others
• Compassion
• Understanding
• Adaptability

which are all important traits in providing quality care.

What relevant experience do we look for?

Previous experience in caring roles, such as supporting individuals with disabilities, older adults, or individuals with mental health conditions, can be advantageous. This experience helps demonstrate your understanding of the needs and challenges involved in supporting individuals with care requirements.

Training and development

We provide training courses which can enhance your skills and knowledge in areas such as safeguarding, first aid, medication administration and specific conditions or disabilities.

Background checks and safety requirements

Shared Lives prioritises the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. As part of the application process, you will be required to undergo background checks, such as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure that there are no criminal records or safeguarding concerns.

What is the process of becoming a Shared Lives Carer?

To become a Shared Lives carer, you will go through a structured application and assessment process can take anywhere up to a year.

1. Get in contact with us! You will speak to our friendly team at West Wales Shred Lives
2. We will answer all your questions and provide you with information about Shared Lives and assess your initial suitability. This may involve an introductory meeting or phone call to discuss your motivations, experience, and the requirements of the role.
3. We will send you an application pack! You will be required to complete an application form, providing details about yourself, your household, and any relevant experience or skills you have. You will also need to undergo background checks, which may include a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or equivalent, to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals.
4. Home visit and assessment! An assessor from the Shared Lives scheme will conduct a home visit to evaluate your suitability as a Shared Lives carer. They will assess your living environment, discuss your support capabilities, and consider how well your home can meet the needs of an individual with care requirements.
5. Training and preparation! We provide training and preparation sessions for prospective carers. These sessions cover topics such as safeguarding, communication skills, understanding individual needs, and other relevant areas. This training helps equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective care and support.
6. Matching and approval! Once you have successfully completed the assessment and training process, the scheme will work to match you with an individual whose needs and preferences align with your capabilities and home environment. This matching process aims to ensure compatibility and the best possible fit.
7. Ongoing support and supervision! As a Shared Lives carer, you will receive ongoing support, supervision, and guidance from us at West Wales Shared Lives. This includes regular visits, review meetings, and access to support networks or peer groups to help you navigate any challenges and continue your professional development.

Who can I contact for more information on becoming a Shared Lives Carer?

Contact Us

You can contact us with any enquiries via:

Telephone: 01267 246890

Email: sharedlivesduty@carmarthenshire.gov.uk 

Contact Form

Frequently asked questions about becoming a shared lives carer

Find ouT  about receiving Support from the shared lives service