Shared Lives (Adult Placement)
The benefits of becoming a Shared Lives Carer
Enjoy a stable income
Shared Lives care is a well-established and growing service within the UK and one which local authorities are investing in. Although Shared Lives services cannot guarantee continuous ‘work’, Shared Lives income is often very stable, comparable to fostering, with many Shared Lives carers having a track record of receiving a regular payment for one or more individuals living with them or visiting them regularly for many years and even decades. As with any social care service, each individual has the right to change their choices at any time, which means that income cannot be contractually guaranteed, but the stability of income can be greater than other kinds of support work.
Earn whilst working from home
Shared Lives carers are paid a weekly fee to support someone living with them long term, as well as a contribution towards accommodation and household costs, such as food, electricity and water.
Shared Lives Carers are self-employed and receive a fee, paid monthly via the Local Authority. Fee amounts vary according to the type of arrangement you offer (sessional support, short breaks or long-term arrangements), how many people you support and what level of support you provide. People providing Long Term and Short Break accommodation usually receive £450 per week (£64 per night).
HMRC makes certain payments tax-free for Shared Lives Carers which can make all the difference financially.
Short Breaks Provided for Long Term Carers
In addition, Shared Lives Carers providing long term arrangements receive up to 28 nights paid respite per year.
How We Support Shared Lives Carers
We support our Shared Lives Carers by providing them with their own Shared Lives Support Officer who will contact them regularly including visiting them at home. The support officer will provide advice and guidance as well as practical and emotional support. This support is backed up by a network of Shared Lives staff as well as Shared Lives carers across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Ceredigion. During the evening and weekends Shared Lives Carers also have access to the out of hours duty Social Work Team.
Shared Lives Carers are encouraged to take part in Shared Lives Carers’ Support Groups and are required to take up membership of the National Association of Shared Lives - Shared Lives Plus UK. This organisation is able to offer personal liability Insurance, a further requirement of approval.
Email: recruitmentwwsl@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
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