Shared Lives (Adult Placement)
Shared Lives - FAQs
How many people can I support at the same time?
As a WWSL carer you can provide support for up to 3 individuals, this can be a mix of long-term and short-term placements.
Can I provide a day service with someone, what is the payment?
We are developing this service currently; we hope to have something soon.
Can the individual accompany me on holiday?
Yes, however there may be some conditions, and the individual may need to contribute.
How do you know that we will be safe if we have someone in our home?
All matched individuals will be involved from social care and/or professionals, where risks are considered and documented. This also includes ensuring you have the right skills and knowledge to meet their needs.
If we go out together, who pays for what?
This depends, however as part of your WWSL allowance you must provide 3 meals per day; therefore you may need to contribute to the meal out.
Do you need experience in care?
No, although an advantage, we accept that life experience is also important, however, we will provide you with training.
What training do you provide?
Full training is provided, from safeguarding, medication and many others as part of our extensive induction programme.
How often will training be needed and where? Face to face or online?
All compulsory training will be completed before an individual is matched with you. Wherever possible, training will be face-to-face, however, we can support you to get online. Mileage/ travelling expenses will be reimbursed. We also provide bespoke training to meet the individual’s needs.
If I only want to provide short breaks, do you pay a retainer if a bed is vacant?
Not currently however, we are looking into this provision to support people in an emergency.
If you have a short break booked with me and the short break is cancelled at short notice, do you get financial compensation?
Yes, depending on notice and circumstances.
If there is excess mileage needed to support someone, does the individual contribute to fuel costs?
Yes, however, this may also be provided as their care and support plan.
Are we entitled to cost of living payments or cold weather payments?
No, this is for individuals and not Shared Lives carers.
How long does the assessment process take and what's involved?
This depends on many factors, which include references, medical checks and DBS, however, we hope to approval you within 3 to 6 months.
Can I still be a carer if I have spent convictions from when I was younger?
Yes, we understand that people may have a past, however, we look at who you are now and your achievements since then.
Are there any perks or help for being a Shared Lives Carer?
As a member of WWSL you will receive support from Shared Lives +, you can apply for a Blue Light Card and register as a carer with Social Care Wales.
Do you have peer support with other carers?
Area coordinators schedule a champion group meeting every three months, this is a great opportunity for you to meet other carers and individuals, developing collaboration and supporting one another.
What is the extent of the support and monitoring we get?
We at Shared Lives work to have positive open relationships with our carers, we carry out a minimum of four statutory visits a year and one unannounced, where we record and monitor each placement to ensure it meets our regulations.
What is the kind of support needs people living in Shared Lives have?
The needs of the individuals vary. We support people with learning disabilities, mental health/illness, sensory impairment, physical disabilities and age-related well-being. We will provide relevant training and support and go through a careful matching process.
What checks are done on the people that come to live with you?
Individuals are known to community teams and their assessments and care and support plans will be shared with our carers. This should be an assessment that often follows a person's life course and contains information about the person.
What is the tax allowance?
We are unable to advise about personal tax allowances, however please visit the GOV.UK website for guidance:
Qualifying Care Relief increase - GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)
Shared Lives Contact Information
You can contact us with any enquiries via:
Telephone: 01267 246890
Email: sharedlives@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Or alternatively, fill in our Carer Enquiry Form (opens in a new tab)