Shared Lives – living with a supportive carer
Shared Lives offers adults who need care and support the chance to live in an ordinary family home while staying connected to their community. For many people, it can be a more personal and homely alternative to a care home or supported housing.
In a Shared Lives arrangement, you live in the home of an approved carer who welcomes you as part of their family. You will have your own bedroom and share the rest of the home, such as the living room, kitchen and garden. Carers support you with daily life while encouraging independence, confidence and choice.
All Shared Lives homes are supported by the council’s Shared Lives scheme and are regularly checked by the Care Quality Commission to make sure they are safe and high quality.
Who can use Shared Lives
Shared Lives may be suitable for adults who need support to live safely in the community. This includes people with:
- learning disabilities
- autism
- mental health needs
- physical or sensory disabilities
- dementia
- other conditions that make them vulnerable
Both long term and short term stays are available.
What to expect in a Shared Lives home
If you choose Shared Lives, you can expect to:
- live in a carer’s home as part of everyday family life
- feel included, respected and valued
- learn new skills and build independence at your own pace
- try new things and take part in community activities
- make your own choices and have your views listened to
- keep in touch with family and friends
- have support for your physical and emotional wellbeing
Many people enjoy the comfort, closeness and stability of living in a family‑style home where support feels personal and flexible.
Become a Shared Lives carer
Shared Lives carers are self-employed. We recruit, train and support them so they can offer safe, meaningful and longterm placements on our behalf.
Shared Lives carers come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some live alone, some with partners or families — each bringing their own strengths, experiences and ways of offering support. This diversity helps us match people with homes where they can truly thrive.