Shared Lives, Fostering, But for Adults
Shared lives is the name given to the type of fostering where someone opens their home to support an adult, rather than a child.
Some adults, such as those with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, or severe mental health challenges cannot live independently, don’t have anyone to support them, or living with their existing family isn’t the best fit.
Carers take in adults who qualify for shared lives. Apart from providing direct care-related activities for the adult, the carer creates a homely environment where the adult feels a sense of belonging and companionship. The idea is to help adults develop life skills that restore independence as much as possible.
How does shared lives work?
Shared lives works by carefully matching adults who need support with approved carers who are qualified to look after them.
Generally speaking, the process works as follows:
- A social worker evaluates the needs of the adult.
- The adult is matched with an approved carer.
The adult proceeds to move in with the carer on a short-term or long-term basis and the carer provides the appropriate support, which could be personal care, meals, social activities/friendship.
Regular reviews take place to assess whether the arrangement continues to meet the needs of both the individual and the carer.
An adult is discharged from a shared lives arrangement when they no longer need support, choose to move on, or if the arrangement is no longer suitable for their needs.
How are shared lives different from traditional fostering?
Apart from the target audience differences, where fostering is for children and shared lives for adults, there are several other distinct differences.
Fostering | Shared Lives |
|---|---|
The child bears no cost. | The adult rents their room from their carer and is given a key to the house. The adult is also responsible for paying rent and utilities. These are usually covered through housing benefits. |
The goal is to keep a child safe from harm. | The goal is to help the adult live independently. |
As fostering is for children, fostering arrangements are longer-term. | Shared lives can last for as short as several months. It depends on the adults’ needs and the severity of the challenges they face. |
The child needs raising in the traditional sense. | Unless the adult has specific learning disabilities, the carer must treat them like an adult. |
The qualifying criteria for fostering is as simple as any child who can no longer live with their birth family. This could be due to neglect, abuse, a parent’s illness, or family breakdown (divorce.) | The qualifying criteria for adults are much more vast and assessed on a case-by-case basis. Generally speaking, adults with some form of physical or mental impairment may qualify for shared lives and it would not necessarily be due to family reasons. |
What are the eligibility criteria for shared lives?
Every shared lives case is assessed on an individual basis. Generally speaking, the individual should meet the following criteria:
- Be 18 years or older. Although, some areas in England and Scotland have an eligibility criteria of over 16.
- Needs support due to:
- Learning disabilities
- Physical disabilities
- Mental health issues
- Age-related needs
- Sensory impairments
- An inability to live alone
- An inability to live with their current family
Every individual goes through a social care assessment that takes into account the above factors and any extenuating circumstances to determine eligibility.
How can someone become a shared lives carer?
If you are interested in caring for other adults, you need to follow the below steps:
- Be over 18 years old.
- Be able to work with vulnerable people.
- Have enough living space to accommodate an adult
- Have good soft skills such as patience, communication skills, and a sense of humour.
There is a recruitment process to follow, which involves collecting references, completing a DBS check, and participating in several training courses.
Additionally, you may be required to undergo medical assessments. This is to prove that you are physically and mentally able enough to provide care for another adult.
To help prove your eligibility from a health perspective, you can book an assessment through Orr Medical. With our assessments, you will receive a comprehensive medical prepared by qualified professionals. As a result, you can pass the medical evaluation part of the assessment with flying colours. And, if needed, these assessments can be fast-tracked.
Once you are approved, you’ll receive an induction and further training. Additionally, you’ll be given a dedicated support worker to guide you through the process plus 24/7 advice and support.
And, when the time is right, you’ll be matched with an appropriate adult who you’ll be responsible for caring for. The exact scope of the care you’ll be providing and your weekly monetary allowance will be agreed upon with you before the shared lives arrangement begins.
As a result, you do not need any formal qualifications, just the physical space and an overall willingness and enthusiasm to support an adult and complete the formal recruitment process.
Shared lives benefits
Shared lives is a viable option for many qualifying adults for the following reasons.
A family environment
It’s better for adults with physical and mental difficulties to live in a family-like environment than a residential home or mental health facility.
A shared lives arrangement creates a sense of normalcy. The adult feels like they’re living a regular life, which can help them feel better, particularly from a mental health perspective.
Promotes independence
In a clinical setting, a person becomes dependent on those in charge of looking after them (like nurses or carers). In a shared lives environment, an adult is taught to build essential life skills like cooking, cleaning, and fiscal responsibility.
Over time, the adult feels a sense of confidence and independence. They reach a stage where they can carry on living their life with less external support.
A better social life
Apart from the family, the adult is living with, they are also given opportunities to become part of the local community. This becomes a source of social opportunities. Adults can make friends and participate in communal activities, which boosts mental wellbeing.
Final Thoughts
Shared lives are the lesser-known (but highly beneficial) form of fostering for adults.
Adults in shared lives arrangement usually experience a better quality of life when compared to being bound in a clinical setting.
From a carer's perspective, opening your home to a needy adult and helping them in their recovery journey is a rewarding experience. Carers are also paid for their efforts.
As part of being a shared lives carer, you will need to have your medical suitability assessed, which can be done with Orr Medical’s assessments, carried out by qualified professionals who provide a written report of your medical readiness.
This medical report is comprehensive and can be done quickly to expedite your application.
Good luck!