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The approval process, payment and support

All of our carers go through a thorough application and assessment process. This process involves:

  1. Making an enquiry using the enquiry form. We'll then contact you for an informal chat.

  2. Completing an application form.

  3. Home visits from our Shared Lives workers.

  4. An interview with someone who has had support via Shared Lives.

  5. Completing a carer profile.

  6. Giving your comments on the assessment.

  7. Attending the Shared Lives Service Panel.

Timescales

A panel meets to consider applications each month.

The application process usually takes about three months, but the length of time can vary.

Further details

Here are some more details about the different steps in the application process. Select the heading and the section will expand to give you more information.

The information you need to provide on the application form includes:

  • the reason why you want to become a Shared Lives carer

  • personal information about you and your household

  • your current or previous work experience

  • two personal and professional references

  • permissions from your mortgage provider or landlord

  • a reference from your GP

  • consent to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

A DBS check is where you'll need to declare any criminal convictions or police cautions that you have. Having a criminal conviction will not necessarily stop you from becoming a carer.

The next stage of the approval is the assessment.

This involves us making several home visits to you and your family.

Members of your family who live with you must agree to be part of the assessments.

They must also commit to being part of the Shared Lives Service. We'll consult them during the visits.

You'll meet someone who is supported on Shared Lives in this interview. One of our Shared Lives workers will also be there.

We'll observe their first impressions, such has how you made them feel.

We'll look at how you engage with the person to address their needs.

You'll need to compile a Carer Profile as part of your application

This gives details of what you could offer someone who came to live with you.

Our Shared Lives team will help you with this.

Once we've completed the assessments, we'll write up the details in a report.

We'll send this on to you and you'll have the opportunity to make comments.

Once you're happy with the assessment, we'll submit it to the Shared Lives Service Panel for approval.

The next stage is attending the Shared Lives Service Panel.

Panel members will ask some questions about why you want to become a Shared Lives Carer

The panel decides whether your application to be a carer is approved.

If you're approved, the panel will decide the type of placement you can offer and how many people you can support.

We'll write to you to let you know whether you have been approved as a Shared Lives carer following the assessments. We'll also outline the terms of the approval.

If you're approved, you'll sign a contract to provide the Shared Lives Care arrangement with us.

It can take time to match the right person to the type of placement you can offer.

If you decide to become a Shared Lives Carer, you won't be alone

We provide excellent support through our Shared Lives Team. This service is rated as Outstanding by the CQC (Care Quality Commission).

You'll get as much support as you need from the point you decide to make an enquiry. This will continue throughout the application and assessment process.

You'll be able to contact our Shared Lives support workers whenever you need them.

Payment

You'll be paid a generous allowance as a Shared Lives Carer ranging from £26,000 to £33,800 a year (£400-£650 a week). It is paid monthly. That's an income of between £500 and £650 per week.

This amount varies according to how much care is required and the needs of the person you support.

The allowance includes a contribution towards food and utility bills.

There are special tax rules for some Shared Lives carers. An amount of what you'll receive is exempt from tax.

Other incentives

You'll be able to work from home, fitting duties around your family commitments.

You get up to six weeks paid respite (for long-term carers) to give you time off from your caring role.

There are other benefits such as qualifying for the Blue Light discount card find out more on the Blue Light card website.

Support

We'll support you as a Shared Lives carer by providing:

  • advice whenever you need it by calling or emailing us

  • routine visits where we'll have a chat about how things are going

  • regular newsletters providing important information

  • events where you can catch up with other Shared Lives Carers from your area

  • a carers handbook full of advice, hints and tips.

  • Information on how to join Shared Lives Plus

Shared Lives Plus is a national organisation offering guidance and advice regarding Shared Lives. Visit the Shared Lives Plus website for more information.

Training

We give you all the training you'll need to fulfil your role as a Shared Lives Carer.

You don't need to have any specialist qualifications or experience.

There are mandatory training courses which you'll need to complete including:

  • Shared Lives induction

  • safeguarding adults training

  • first aid

  • positive behavioural support (PBS)

  • medication management

  • information governance

  • moving and handling

You'll need to complete refresher training on these topics from time to time.

There are lots of other courses available to help you develop new skills.

These will help you grow in your role as a Shared Lives Carer. They are also great for your personal development.

We'll provide you with all the information you need about training if you become a carer.