Shared Lives matches you with a carer that you live with. Find out how to apply to get a Shared Lives carer, or how to apply to be one.
Shared Lives is a way to support adults, and young people over the age of 16, who are unable to live independently.
The scheme places the person with a Shared Lives carer. The carer offers accommodation, care and support in their home.
Shared Lives providers train, support and pay carers to provide support in this way.
Carers can give support full time or for short breaks, respite or day activities.
All kinds of people can be Shared Lives carers. You could be a couple or single, with or without children, a home owner or tenant. An approved carer can support up to 3 adults at a time.
The Shared Lives providers pay, train and support the carers.
To become an approved Shared Lives carer, you need to:
Carers are not paid by the hour and they do not work to a fixed schedule. They get paid in line with the expectations set out in a Shared Lives arrangement agreement.
Shared Lives carers don’t have to agree to any care and support arrangement offered.
Shared Lives carers do not employ staff to help them provide care.
Shared Lives carers are not employed by the council, they are self-employed. This means they have to pay their own tax and national insurance. They can get the Shared Lives tax break.
Find more information about taxes for carers from gov.uk.
Our carers have specialisms and services. This makes it easier to find the right carer for you. These include:
Find more information on what Shared Lives can offer. Phone 01273 295 550 or send an email to info.sharedlives@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
If you want support from a Shared Lives carer, contact your social worker, care manager or support officer.
If you do not have one, you can contact Access Point. This is our contact centre for Adult Social Care. Someone will help you complete an assessment. Phone 01273 295 555 or send an email to accesspoint@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
If you’re suitable for the scheme, we’ll match you to a carer. You’ll both have the chance to get to know each other at your own pace before making any commitments.
Brighton & Hove Shared Lives is registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means the quality of the service is regularly monitored. It’s currently rated as Good, with Outstanding in ‘Responsive’.
Carers are supported and monitored during placements.
The registered manager of each Shared Lives provider handles the quality and safety of care and support in every Shared Lives arrangement.
Find out more about Shared Lives from Shared Lives Plus. This is the national organisation for Shared Lives.
Shared Lives carer Lyn has Celia living with her. Lyn said: “Being a Shared Lives carer is a great way of life."
Read more about Lyn and Celia's experience.
Dena and Linda say taking part in the Shared Lives scheme is "the best decision they've ever made."