Can a family member be a Shared Lives carer?

Yes, in many cases a family member can become a Shared Lives carer, but there are important restrictions. Shared Lives schemes generally do not allow you to provide care for a close relative who lives with you, because the model is designed to offer an alternative to family care and to promote independence. However, you may be approved to support an unrelated adult or, in some exceptional cases, a relative who does not live with you, depending on the scheme's rules and your local authority's policies.

What is a Shared Lives scheme?

A Shared Lives scheme is a regulated care and support service that matches an adult who needs support (the 'arrangement') with an approved carer who shares their home and family life. The carer provides accommodation, meals, personal care, and social support in a family environment, rather than in a residential care home. Shared Lives is used for people with learning disabilities, mental health needs, older people, and others who need extra support to live independently.

Can a family member be a Shared Lives carer for a relative?

The general rule is that you cannot be a Shared Lives carer for a close relative who lives with you. This is because Shared Lives is intended to create new, non-family relationships and to avoid situations where family carers are effectively employed by the state. However, there are exceptions and variations:

• Living separately: If your relative does not live with you, you might be approved as their Shared Lives carer, but this is uncommon and would need to meet the scheme's aims.
• Adult placement schemes: Some local schemes allow family carers to become approved Shared Lives carers if they care for a relative who is placed with them by the local authority, but this is more typical for adult fostering (where the carer is paid a fee) rather than Shared Lives.
• Different types of kinship care: If you are caring for a relative under a different arrangement (e.g., a personal budget or direct payment), you may be able to employ a family member as a personal assistant, but this is not Shared Lives.

Before exploring Shared Lives as a family carer, it's essential to check with your local Shared Lives scheme about their specific eligibility criteria, as some schemes may have more flexible rules for relatives who do not normally live together.

Eligibility and approval process for Shared Lives carers

If you are not a close relative of the person you want to support, you can apply to become a Shared Lives carer. The process involves several stages:

1. Initial enquiry: Contact your local Shared Lives scheme (usually run by the council or a charity) and express interest.
2. Information and training: You will receive information about the role and may be invited to training sessions.
3. Assessment: A social worker or scheme worker will visit your home and conduct a thorough assessment, including checks on your background, home safety, and suitability. This is often called a 'carer assessment'.
4. References and checks: You will need to provide references and undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
5. Approval panel: Your application is reviewed by a panel that decides whether to approve you as a Shared Lives carer.
6. Matching: If approved, the scheme will try to match you with a suitable person based on your skills, preferences, and home environment.

The process can take several months, but it ensures that carers are well-prepared and that the arrangement is safe and sustainable.

What support and payments do Shared Lives carers receive?

Approved Shared Lives carers receive a payment for the support they provide. This is usually a combination of:

• A support fee: Paid for the care and support provided, based on the assessed needs of the person.
• A rent and household contribution: Paid by the person using the service for accommodation and meals.

Payments vary by scheme and by the level of support needed. They are not considered a salary but are intended to cover costs and recognise the carer's time. Carers also receive ongoing support, training, and respite breaks.

Alternatives for family carers supporting aging relatives

If you are already supporting an aging relative at home and are looking for formal recognition or financial support, there are other options that may be more suitable than becoming a Shared Lives carer:

• Carer's assessment: As a family carer, you have the right to a carer's assessment from your local council. This looks at your needs and how caring affects your life, and may lead to support services or a direct payment to help you in your caring role.
• Direct payments and personal budgets: If your relative receives social care support, they may choose to manage this via a direct payment, which can be used to employ a personal assistant. In some cases, a family member can be employed as a personal assistant, but there are rules about this—usually, close relatives living in the same household are not paid, but exceptions exist for exceptional circumstances.
• Shared Lives as a short break: If you need a break from caring, your relative could stay with an approved Shared Lives carer for a short period (respite), giving you time off while they are well cared for.
• Other support services: Home care agencies, day centres, and community activities can also provide support.

Comparison: Family carer vs Shared Lives carer

How to decide if Shared Lives is right for you and your family

If you are a family carer considering becoming a Shared Lives carer for someone outside your family, think about these practical points:

• Your motivation: Shared Lives is a significant commitment and shouldn't be chosen only for income. It works best if you genuinely enjoy sharing your home and supporting someone to live independently.
• Space and household: You need a spare room that can be the person's own bedroom, and your family/household members must be willing to include the person in daily life.
• Time and energy: While Shared Lives carers receive payments, the role can be demanding. Consider if you have capacity alongside other caring responsibilities.
• Training and development: Schemes provide training, but you should be open to learning and following policies.

For more information, contact your local council's adult social services or search for Shared Lives schemes in your area. They can advise on carer eligibility, the carer assessment process, and whether becoming a Shared Lives carer is feasible for you.