How it works
Their support can include:
- help washing, dressing and going to the toilet
- preparing meals and medication
- companionship and getting out and about
Shared Lives carers support:
- older people
- adults with dementia
- adults with mental health needs
- people with physical or sensory difficulties
- adults with learning disabilities
When you are referred to us, we carefully match you with a Shared Lives carer who can meet your care and support needs. We will help you decide what type of care they will provide, and the frequency of your support.
Read our care rating report by the Care Quality Commission.
Types of care
There are two types of Shared Lives care we may suggest. You could get one or both of them.
1. Day support
You can spend time in the home of your Shared Lives carer, or take part in community activities and groups that match your interests and goals
This experience can support you to
- enjoy a change of environment
- build meaningful connections and make friends
- explore new interests and grow your skills
- have personalised support for your physical, social, emotional and cultural wellbeing
- offer your usual carer a break
Cost of day support
Daytime support costs £12.60 an hour, but you may get help to pay for it from the council.
You will need to have a financial assessment to work out how much help you could get to pay for it. Find out more about the cost of care and support services.
2. Short breaks (respite care)
You can stay in the home of your Shared Lives carer while they look after you. This is flexible and can be for:
- a short overnight stay
- a weekend or a few days
- weekly
- two weeks or more
This is a way to give you or your usual carer a break. Or sometimes it can help if there's an emergency. For example, if your usual carer is unwell.
Cost of respite care
The cost of Shared Lives respite care depends on your age. You cannot get help to pay for it from the council.
| Age of person | Cost |
|---|---|
| Under 25 | £140.70 a week |
| 25 to pensionable age | £159.90 a week |
| People of pensionable age | £196.95 a week |
How to get it
You must have an assessment with Adult Social Care to decide if a Shared Lives carer is right for you. Find out how to get assessed by adult social care.
If you are already supported by Adult Social Care, you can ask your social worker, support worker or care manager about getting a Shared Lives carer.
Eligibility
An allocated Wellbeing Worker will then carry out a further assessment of your care and support needs and of your eligibility for the Shared Lives service.
To be eligible, you need to:
- be aged 18 or older
- live in Leeds
- have a social care needs assessment confirming your care needs
- usually get care from a family member or informal carer
You may also be offered support if you or your carer need a break.
Looking after a friend or relative
If you are a carer looking after a friend or relative, we can support you and arrange respite care so you can take a break. Get a carer's assessment.
