What is Shared Lives?

Shared Lives is a care and support service for people who want to live independently in their local area with the support of a family and community network. It’s an alternative to supported living or residential care. 

In Shared Lives, an adult or young person with support needs is matched with a Shared Lives carer by their local Shared Lives scheme. Together, the person needing support and the Shared Lives carer share the carer’s family and community life; it’s a bit like fostering but for adults.

Shared Lives Carers can choose to offer:

Day support – Supporting people for a few hours at a time. 

Short breaks and respite – Overnight stays, weekend visits, maybe a week or two.

Or 

Live-in support - To live as part of your household.  

Shared Lives Carers enjoy

  • Work-life balance: Enjoy the flexibility to tailor the support you provide to fit your lifestyle, whether supplementing your main income or making it your primary source. Adjust the level and number of people you support.
  • Rewarding pay and tax breaks: Earn £537-£669 per week for long-term care, £47 per day for day support, and £81 per night for overnight support. Generous tax breaks allow you to keep more of what you earn.
  • Ongoing training and support: We are with you every step of the way! Receive full training, individual support from a dedicated Shared Lives support officer and a years’ membership to the Shared Lives Plus UK support network.
  • Making a difference: Experience the profound impact of helping individuals grow, gain independence, and thrive in a supportive environment.

 

“I strongly believe there is no more rewarding job than being a Shared Lives carer.”
- Mandi

Who can be a Shared Lives Carer?

Almost anybody can become a Shared Lives carer. It is all about finding the right person for you to connect with. The most important thing is that you have an interest in others, the ability to respond to the needs of those around you and good communication skills. Some people work as a Shared Lives carer in addition to other employment.

Contact us

Our friendly team are happy to help, call us on 01908 254088 or email sharedlivesmk@milton-keynes.gov.uk