FAMILY
Sharing and making memories together
For those in the community who may need extra support to live life to the fullest, a gentle helping hand from a Shared Lives carer can mean they continue to live as independently and safely as possible.
A pioneering and unique
approach to social care, the Shared Lives scheme supports elderly or vulnerable adults to become valued members of communities. With the main goal to lead an ordinary family life and build real relationships, fully trained Shared Lives carers open their homes to people who need tailored care and support by offering long-term accommodation, short respite breaks or just daily activities. Mainly used by people who want to retain their independence without being alone or moving into residential care, the service supports adults with learning and physical difficulties, dementia, sensory needs or mental health. In order for natural and lasting friendships to blossom, each
Jenny and Peter Peter, who is 53 and has a learning disability, lives at home with his mum and full-time carer, Doris. But now reaching her 80s herself, Doris needed extra support with Peter and chose Shared Lives because its person-centred approach encourages his hobbies and interests. Peter loves everything to do with transport and was matched with Shared Lives carer and part-time railway worker, Jenny in 2014. “They’re a match made in heaven, Peter’s like her little brother, and both think the world of each other,” Doris says.
Jenny offers day support and respite breaks to allow Doris to have some time to see her other
person is carefully matched with a Shared Lives carer based on their similar interests, with the hope that they become part of each others’ extended families.
The carers come from all walks of life and choose to care for a variety of reasons.
As long as you are motivated, enthusiastic and committed to offering time and encouragement for vulnerable adults in a stable and supportive home, then becoming a Shared Lives carer could be ideal for you. With over 12,000 people using the Shared Lives service nationally, the Rotherham team are proud to share two of their partnerships that have been formed through the Shared Lives scheme.
children and give Peter an outlet in life.
While having carers who come into the home suits some people, Doris chose Shared Lives because Peter loves to get out of the house and go on adventures. Together they’ve travelled the width and breadth of the country by train, bus and tram, visiting everywhere from Bakewell, Doncaster and Edinburgh to locomotive fairs and steam train rallies. They even had a week holiday to Wales via train. When they’re not heading off out for the day, Peter comes round to Jenny’s house and makes himself at home, going straight to the garden to check on the flowers he’s planted or to feed the birds. “He loves to interact with my own family and my mum, dad and sister all love him like he’s their own,” Jenny says.
Thursday 24th May Mowbray Gardens Library, Herringthorpe Valley Road 10am-3pm
When Jenny moved into the area a few years ago, a friend suggested her background as a carer and trusting, open nature meant she would be well suited to the Shared Lives scheme.
Pam and Connie
Originally matched thanks to their shared love of knitting, Pam and Connie have now become firm friends since being paired together in 2015.
Although she has dementia,
88-year-old Connie still lives independently and loves being in other peoples’ company. Her Shared Lives carer, Pam, offers day support where the two of them get out and about to visit places from Connie’s past.
As a young girl, Connie went to boarding school in Derbyshire and is always telling Pam about her escapades. Pam recently arranged a surprise visit where they were shown round by the caretaker for Connie to reminisce about the good old days.
Pam captured the day with lots of photos for Connie’s activity journal which they look through when she’s not feeling too great. With a working background in a care environment, Pam has been a Shared Lives carer since 2012 and enjoys the flexibility it gives her to fit around her paid employment. She also looks after another lady with learning disabilities.
SharedLives
Helping build lasting friendships through tailored care and support
Could you or someone you know benefit from Shared Lives?
We offer: • Day support • Respite breaks • Long-term stays
All in a Shared Lives carer’s home
We provide support for adults with dementia, disabilities and sensory needs to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
Could you be a Shared Lives carer and open your home to someone in need?
• Full support and training • Payments and expenses • Matched based on both interests and lifestyles
For more information, visit our drop in sessions
Thursday 24th May - Mowbray Gardens Library - 10am-3pm Thursday 14th June - Addison Day Centre, Maltby - 10am-3pm Thursday 19th July - Greasbrough Library - 10am - 1pm Friday 17th August - Dinnington Library - 10am - 3pm
Tel: 01709 334948
www.rotherham.gov.uk/sharedlives
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 47 Thursday 14th June
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