The Care Quality Commission

Archived: Shared Lives Service

1 Weldbank House, Weldbank Lane, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 3NW

Provided and run by:
Lancashire County Council

Important: This service is now registered at a different address - see new profile

All Inspections

2 December 2011

During a routine inspection

We attended a social evening in the east of the county, where we spoke with shared lives carers, shared lives staff and people who use the service. The event was well attended and gave good opportunity for people using the service and their carers, to talk together, share experiences and have fun. A buffet had been arranged, there was a light hearted quiz and a raffle to raise money for a charity. There was also an aroma therapist who provided treatments for carers.

Without exception carers told us that they receive excellent support from staff. We were told, 'I can pick up the phone and ask anything, if I need advice,' and 'They visit a lot and will come and see me if I need anything.'

Carers also told us that they have built up good relationships with other carers and that they would meet up or telephone each other. This informal support network appeared to be highly valued by those we spoke to. Carers confirmed that staff conduct monitoring visits and that they have an annual review which looks at the quality of the support they are providing.

People using the service told us that they were happy with their carer, talked about their social lives and their plans for Christmas. During our discussions with carers and people in placements it was clear that the service is extremely personalised and that good matching takes place. We saw that there was a warm, comfortable and relaxed relationship between people who use the service, carers and their family. Natural friendships had also developed between people in placements, such as during periods of respite.