Become a Shared Lives carer

Shared Lives carers provide family-based accommodation or support for vulnerable people.

Becoming a paid Shared Lives carer means looking after someone aged 18 or over, who is unable to live independently, in your own home.

You will provide support for either short periods during the day, welcome someone to stay in your home for short breaks or provide a long-term home. 

The emphasis is on providing an ordinary family life so that they can live or stay within the community.

Some of the activities you might help with include:

  • helping with washing and dressing (personal care)
  • preparing food
  • taking someone to clubs and activities
  • providing emotional support.

Understanding people's needs and how to keep them safe are key skills, as is good communication and the ability to support somebody, emotionally and practically, in their daily life.

An approved carer can support up to three adults at a time and will be paid a carer's fee for the support provided.

We would like to hear from you if you could offer day-to-day care and support an adult with physical disabilities, mental health problems, older people or people with a learning disability, in your own home.

We are especially in need of Shared Lives carers in the Horsham, Burgess Hill, Chichester, Crawley and rural areas of the county.

 
Last updated:
7 February 2024
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