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Tameside Shared Lives Scheme offers people aged 18 and over an alternative and flexible form of accommodation and support. Individuals who require support are matched with Shared Lives Carers who can support them in their family and community life. This takes a number of forms, such as long-term support, respite support for short breaks, and also in emergencies.
Adult services sought the views of the public on two proposed changes: 1) change to the Carer’s payment, moving from a fixed payment to a banding system and; 2) to bring the access age to the scheme down to age 16+.
Those who responded were made up of Shared Lives Carers, members of the public and prospective Shared Lives Carers.
The majority of those who responded expressed support for the new banding payment system. Other feedback included the proposals would be beneficial so long as the recruitment of carers was maintained or improved and; some concern that the banding system would cause carers to favour particular needs groups over others.
Responses were also supportive of the age of access change; however some respondents felt that this could potentially raise the number of eligible service users, thereby putting pressure on the resources and carers available.
The responses were drafted into a report which was taken before Strategic Commissioning Board where the issues raised in the consultation were addressed by the Shared Lives service:
In response to the need to ensure carers sign up to the scheme for the right reason, all prospective Shared Lives Carers are required to undertake the scheme’s assessment process and complete all relevant training. The robust assessment gives a holistic view of the prospective carers’ skills abilities and values and their family and environment. Additional specialist training will also be provided as required.
On the issue of needing to recruit more Shared Lives carers, it was assured that there are continued marketing campaigns throughout the year to highlight the work of Shared Lives carers, including adverts on buses, bus shelters and engagement events which are open to all. The Shared Lives team itself has received additional resources, to provide greater capacity for the assessment and matching process.
Following assurance about the issues raised as a result of the consultation, the new scheme was subsequently approved.
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