Shared Lives

Shared Lives is where an approved carer shares their home and family life with you to give care, support and housing.

You'd normally live in the carer's home, so you could describe Shared Lives as 'fostering for adults', but helping you to make the most of your independence.

Carers come from a range of backgrounds with different family circumstances, and get support and guidance from a Shared Lives officer who will make sure the home is suitable and safe.

We'll do a background check on your carer before they're approved and they'll get training from us. We'll make sure that you're matched with a carer who you'll get on with and you can visit them or have a trial stay in their home to make sure you're both happy. You can stop the process at any time.

We might not have enough time to match you with a carer if you need emergency placement. If this happens, we'll make sure that you have as much information as possible before you meet them.

Shared Lives carers offer:

• long or short term live-in support in their home
• short breaks such as day care or overnight stays
• support during the day from the carer's home

Your carer will invite you to join in their family life and community, including anything from doing the gardening together to going to a festival. They will help you to be as independent as possible with such things as your personal care, using public transport, doing the shopping or preparing your own meals.

Shared Lives carers can also help you to visit your doctor, take your medication and manage your money.

You could use Bristol Shared Lives if you're over 18 years old and you need help with everyday living or you already receive care services.

You could have:

• learning difficulties
• dementia
• mental health issues
• another disability

If you're interested in living in a Shared Lives Placement or having Respite with Shared Lives you will need to talk to your social worker to see if you would be eligible.

They will then be able to make a referral to the service on your behalf.

For more information about Bristol Shared Lives, fill out the Bristol Shared Lives online form or call us on 0117 352 5488.

If you do not have a social worker but feel you need this type of service you will need to make an adult care referral for advice and to request a Care Act Assessment.

You will then find out whether you would be eligible for Shared Lives or other services to meet any identified needs.