Apply to be a Shared Lives Carer

The Shared Lives team support approved Shared Lives carers - ordinary people from the local community - to share their time and sometimes their home with someone who needs support. All Shared Lives carers are DBS checked and complete an in-depth assessment and approval process, and are required to undertake regular mandatory training. They are paid expenses for the care and support provided.

Many adults are looking for support to access activities within their community or breaks away from home or somewhere new to live, for example:

A person might not be able to manage on their own.
Or, may need support to access social activities, medical appointments, or maintain contact with family and friends.
Or, may be unable or unwilling to live with their own families.
Or, may wish to have periods of short term respite.
Or, may be wanting to move on to more independent living and need support to develop their skills and confidence.

Becoming a carer

We accept applications for Shared Lives carers from all sources and the success of the scheme rests upon having as varied and flexible a selection of carers and caring environments as possible.

The scheme works within Tameside Council’s equal opportunities policy and it positively welcomes referrals from people who come from all cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds as well as people with different sexual orientations. The scheme also accepts referrals from single people as well as from couples and larger family groups.

It is expected that anyone seeking to be an approved Shared Lives Carer on the scheme fully understands and is committed to the principles clearly laid down by the scheme. All prospective Shared Lives Carers are required to undertake the scheme’s assessment process and complete all relevant training.

If prospective carers are a couple, both partners are required to complete the assessment and training. We understand that within a couple one partner may be the main carer, but it is essential that both partners fully understand the principles, policies, procedures and practices of the scheme.

The application form to apply to become a Shared Lives carer can be downloaded here, or you can contact the team on 0161 342 5151 to request an application pack.

In line with our operational policy, due to the nature of the role of a carer, the following references will be sought:

Disclosure & Barring Service (including spent convictions) – this check is completed every 3 years following approval.
GP reference – this reference is requested every 3 years following approval.
Probation
Employer reference, and past employer if relevant
2 personal references
Community service/Adult services

Approval as a carer is dependent on satisfactory references being returned.

Once we receive a completed application form, a Social Worker from the team will contact the prospective to arrange to visit them discuss their application, and begin the assessment process.

During the assessment process the Social Worker will visit them in their home to gather information to determine their suitability to offer care under the scheme. An ability to support a person in activities outside the home will be as important as the type and standard of accommodation available.

During the assessment process the worker will meet with you, and potentially your household members, to establish:

Your values, skills and experience particularly in relation to supporting vulnerable adults
The time and space you have available in your life
The type of lifestyle you lead e.g. family orientated, active, quiet
The type of support you are able to offer
The appropriateness of accommodation offered
The support that you have available e.g. family, friends
Any training needs that you may have
Your expectations of becoming an Approved Carer

During the assessment process it is essential that all significant people within the family group are interviewed, including children, (except for very young children) and their views and wishes noted. This may also include people who do not live within the household but whose existence impacts on the prospective carer’s ability to carry out the role of an approved Shared Lives carer.

The information gathered during the assessment process will be incorporated into an approval assessment report.

There are mandatory training courses as part of the assessment process:

All new Shared Lives carers are now required to complete the Care Certificate (relevant qualifications can be taken into account as evidence of standards met).
First Aid
Health & Safety
Food Safety & Infection Control
Safeguarding Adults
Mental Capacity Awareness
Medication
Equality & Diversity
CITRUS Awareness

The content of training is constantly evaluated and updated to take into account the needs of people who use the Scheme and prospective Carers. Post approval training may be identified to support carers in their role. Carers are required to update their mandatory training every 2 years.

Once the assessment report is completed, all required training has been completed, and all the necessary references have been received, the prospective carers will be put forward for approval.

Approval to be a carer on Tameside Shared Lives scheme is given by an independent panel made up of representatives from Community, Environment Adults & Health Services.