Archived: Shared Lives

We visited the office for Shared Lives service, and spoke on the telephone with people who used the service, their relatives and carers. We spoke with some care organisers, the acting manager and service manager.

People who use the service are supported by carers who are self-employed and live in the local community. Shared Lives assess suitable carers through a careful selection process followed by a range of training opportunities to develop and enhance their skills.

We talked to people about their experience of the care and service they received from Shared Lives. People who used the service said their carers were 'very good' to them. One person told us "my carer is really kind". They told us they felt happy and safe when they were with their carer and 'liked living with them' as they were 'always cheerful'. Another person said 'my carer is a wonderful person. I am very happy here'.

Relatives of the people who used the service said that carers were "very caring" and they were "very pleased" with the service their relative was given. They told us they would contact the carers or Shared Lives if there were any problems. Another relative told us that carers 'look after' their relative 'very well'.

Carers told us that Shared Living care organisers were friendly and courteous. Carers comments included

'I am able to attend most of the carer meetings as find these are really supportive and useful now'

'I get good support from my organiser and I have regular supervision sessions with her which has been helpful with all the paperwork we have to do now'

'Training provided is good and I have completed safer handling, first aid and medication awareness'

'I enjoy the work, but it is challenging at times. It would be good if occasional respite breaks could be arranged so that if we needed a break we could have one'

'The support I receive from my organiser is second to none. I found the induction training intensive but very good'

'The new manager visits us and is very supportive'.

We also spoke with the acting manager, the service manager and with Shared Lives organisers in the office. They commented:

'the service is flexible and very responsive to peoples needs'

'the carers provide an excellent service and are very caring people'

'carers are fantastic'

'they have gained in confidence with a successful placement '

'occasionally people have had to wait for a good match'.

Care organisers told us they worked well as a team and that they received support from their management team.

We found that people received effective, safe and appropriate care, treatment and support that met their needs and that systems were in place to assess and monitor the quality of the services provided.