Shared Lives Carer Job Description
As a shared lives carer, you’ll open up your home and family life to include someone who needs care and support.
Shared lives carers are self-employed and there would be an agreement about how much care you’re expected to provide, making it a flexible role.
You wouldn’t have ‘working hours’ like a care worker role – it’s all about matching people who get on well together so that it feels more like family life. This can be a very rewarding role as you build a close connection to the people you support.
Role overview
- supporting them with everyday tasks such as getting up or cooking
- teaching them new skills or how to live independently
- assisting them to do social activities or access the local community
- going on holiday together
- going to family parties and events.
You could do this for a few hours a week, for example be a regular daytime visitor, a short time such as a weekend or respite period or you could support someone full time, where they come and live with you.
Opportunities
While in post you could do a vocational qualification such as a Diploma in Health and Social Care or continuing professional development qualification such as an award or certificate in activity provision.
Your employer may pay for you to complete these qualifications (via Workforce Development Fund), or you could apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to pay for them yourself.
Source: Skills for Care
