Sharing a home (Shared Lives)
What is Shared Lives?
Shared Lives provides care for adults who want to live independently but within a support network of family and community. We’re an alternative to other supported living or residential care, of which all aim to help you live a more fulfilled life. Our carers share their homes to help you gain life skills and contribute to your community.
Shared Lives can support adults:
- over the age of 18
- with a mental health condition
- with a sensory impairment
- transitioning from foster care to Shared Lives at 18 years of age
- with a learning disability
- with autism
- with a physical disability.
Our care is flexible and sensitive to the needs of you and your family, offering individual care and support when you need it. We provide day support, overnight stays, short break stays as well as long-term care.
If you are interested in being supported by a Shared Lives carer, email sharedlives@iow.gov.uk or speak to your social care worker.
Who can be a Shared Lives carer?
Any island resident over the age of 18 from all walks of life and backgrounds can become a Shared Lives carer if they own or rent a home subject to the approval process. Relevant care work experience is not essential. Our care is based on shared interests and lifestyles. We welcome all applicants and will provide full training, a care and support fee, as well as ongoing support.
Shared Lives carers are self-employed and do not work to a fixed schedule, but they are paid in line with the expectations set out in our Shared Lives agreement.
How to become a Shared Lives carer
If you are interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer, please contact us for an informal chat or complete our online application form. A member of the Shared Lives team will arrange a face-to-face visit at your home.
Our Shared Lives service is registered with the Care Quality Commission.
What Shared Lives carers and residents say
“I joined shared lives scheme wanting to nurture individuals in my care but soon realised that it doesn’t work like that, each person takes from it what they want, and this unique experience is what makes it fulfilling to them, for me, I enjoy the flexibility and different aspects of the role and all-important job security.”
“My decision to become a Shared Lives Carer along with my wife was one which at the time I was not sure would suit me. I can honestly say that working within the service it has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling roles I have ever had.
The benefits it provides both parties are too many to list. It really does work but above all it really does make a difference to peoples lives.”
“It’s s like a family feeling...l didn’t know about shared lives until I came to live here and it’s good. I think they need to get the information out there”.
“I feel that Shared Lives carers support can not only make a positive impact on a person’s life by helping them grow and develop, but for me it’s also a fulfilling career because it allows me to help in shaping and improving my young person’s life. The support from the scheme is excellent from the training to help or advice. They are always there for me"