Adult Social Care: Shared Lives Scheme - WNC

What is 'Shared Lives'?

Shared Lives is a regulated form of social care. It involves an adult with support needs moving in with a registered Shared Lives carer. The adult lives with them as part of their household in a family environment.

Shared Lives care is delivered locally through registered Shared Lives schemes. Local schemes recruit Shared Lives carers and match them with adults who need support.

For more information about Shared Lives, please visit Shared Lives Plus. This is a UK membership charity for people living and working in Shared Lives services.

What the Service Can Do for You

The West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) Shared Lives scheme supports people with eligible needs. These needs may relate to:

• a physical disability
• a learning disability
• autism (ASD)
• and/or a mental health condition

The Shared Lives carer will support you to manage your daily routine, such as:

• basic care needs
• support with shopping
• support during holidays
• budgeting, finance management and tenancy support
• medication management
• access to education/Work opportunities (paid or unpaid)
• household duties
• access to social activities

WNC's Shared Lives Team also offers a respite service. Respite can be provided in the home of a Shared Lives carer (who's been approved by a professional panel). Alternatively, a support worker can provide respite within the person's home. 

People Who Can Use the Service

You can use this service if you are aged between 18 and 65 and have eligible needs (as per the Care Act 2014).

How to Get this Service

A social care professional must refer you to this service. 

You can use this online form to help the Council understand any care needs you may have. They will use this information to decide if you might be eligible for support.

• Refer Yourself to Adult Social Care or Make a Referral for Somebody Else (Link)