Gill and Peter are Shared Lives Carers. They have supported Adrian and Angela for several years.

Gill and her partner Peter have been Shared Lives carers for 15 years.

They have supported Adrian, aged 37, for 15 years and Angela, aged 53, for six years.

Gill said it's been fabulous, basically a life changer, not just for them, but for Angela and Adrian too.

The people you care for become part of the family

Shared Lives gives something really different. It's not just a standard service, the people you care for really become part of the family.

They all socialise with extended family and friends, go to family events such as weddings together and support each other in day-to-day life.

They have recently come back from a cruise together and have been to Centre Parcs too.

Independence is important

Gill and Peter feel it's important to ensure Adrian and Angela have their independence. They have supported them to find jobs and they both enjoy going to work. They also like to get out and about, they enjoy going for health walks, taking the dog out and making friends and connections in the community.

Adrian likes the outdoors and will soon be off for an adventure trip to the Lake District. Angela has a boyfriend and enjoys caring for animals. She had a cat when she first moved in with Gill and Peter and she's since helped to choose their family dog.

They both enjoy seeing the world and have exciting lives. We get a lot out of supporting them to do what they want.

Fantastic support from the county council's Shared Lives Service

Gill said, as a carer, it's most important that you make sure the people you support stay safe and well, enjoy themselves and live as independently as possible while sharing your family life.

We get fantastic support from the county council's Shared Lives Service who help us work out a solution to any issues that come up.

I'd advise anyone who's thinking of becoming a Shared Lives carer to just do it.

Pauline and her husband Stuart have been Shared Lives carers for over ten years. They currently support Claire and Sarah who live with them as long term placements.

They live in a large detached house with their teenage daughter who has grown up sharing their home with adults with a learning disability.

Independence

Pauline likes Sarah and Claire to be as independent as possible. She encourages them to take responsibility for their own bedrooms and to help around the house. Pauline and Stuart have taught them how to use the kettle, microwave, and toaster and make light snacks in the kitchen. They have shown Sarah and Claire how to use public transport to go to local places, including what to do if they miss the bus or get off at the wrong stop. This means that they can go out on their own. Sarah also learnt basic literacy and how to take care of her finances on a college course.

Social life

Pauline and Stuart love to cook and they encourage Sarah and Claire to get involved. Pauline feels that baking is especially rewarding as they love to see an end product which they have created themselves. The whole household also has X Factor nights in as well as going ten pin bowling, to the cinema, theatre and meals out.

Allowance

Pauline and Stuart receive an allowance from Lancashire County Council to support Sarah and Claire with personal care, medical appointments and daily living skills. Sarah and Claire contribute and Pauline and Stuart also receive housing benefit for Sarah and Claire from the local authority. These amounts combine to cover all food, living costs and a proportion of transport.

Pauline says: "Being a Shared Lives Carer is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Both Sarah and Claire have become part of our family; it’s a wonderful feeling knowing that I’ve made a big difference to someone’s life".

Adele is a 37-year-old woman with a mild learning disability. Her social worker referred her to Shared Lives because she could not live independently. She had previously been living with her partner but the relationship had broken down. Adele wanted to move closer to her family who she had lost touch with.

We found a Shared Lives carer, Margaret, who lived near Adele's family. The Shared Lives team thought that Margaret and Adele would be a good match because Margaret has an outgoing personality and had the confidence to motivate Adele.

Adele and Margaret got on very well. They met a few times and Adele stayed overnight before they both decided to make the move permanent. The Shared Lives team had regular contact with both Adele and Margaret throughout the introductions.

How Shared Lives helped

It was apparent from early on that Adele lacked structure and routine in her life. The Shared Lives Officers and Margaret looked at activities which Adele would enjoy and feel motivated by.

Adele was heavily overweight and suffering from depression. She was diagnosed with diabetes and other medical conditions related to her weight. Adele was withdrawn and showed little interest in her personal appearance.

The Shared Lives Officer gave Margaret guidelines on how to improve Adele's general health and wellbeing. Adele was referred to a dietician and Margaret and Adele joined a local gym (Margaret was able to attend for free as Adele's carer). Margaret encouraged Adele to enrol at college and get involved in local community groups.

She invited Adele's college friends over and contacted other Shared Lives Carers to organise evenings out; giving Adele the chance to meet up with other people who live with Shared Lives Carers. Margaret helped Adele to learn how to walk to college and local activities on her own, giving Adele both independence and regular exercise.

The difference Shared Lives made

Less than two years later, Adele's life has completely changed. She has lost five stone in weight, her medication for diabetes has been reduced and she no longer takes antidepressants. Adele has a lot of friends and a very busy social life. She attends college three days per week, is a member of a local drama group and recently played a part in a pantomime. Adele now takes pride in her appearance and has become outgoing and chatty.

Margaret has built a warm and trusting relationship with Adele. Margaret has worked hard to encourage Adele to rebuild her relationship with her family. Adele now sees her father and sister regularly and was a bridesmaid at her sister's wedding.