Shared Lives Scheme : Retford And Other Manors : Could Well Be A Solution In Some Situations , If Living Alone?

**Call for carers to offer live-in help in their own homes.

A 65-year-old carer from Retford who has invited a woman with Down’s Syndrome to live with her in her home is urging others to offer the same help.**



**_For two years now, Jo, 38, has lived with Julie Lenehan as part of the Shared Lives scheme run by Nottinghamshire County Council.

She receives help with day-to-day tasks, medication and self-care. Julie is also there as a friend, providing company by watching TV, going swimming or meeting friends.
Julie’s is one of 63 households across the county that offers long-term accommodation and support, or short breaks, for people with a disablity or mental-health needs, and the elderly.

Now the county council is looking for more homes who have room to become part of the Shared Lives scheme. All carers receive training and ongoing support, > and are paid to reflect the level of support needed> .

Julie said: “If you think you can make a difference to someone’s life, I would encourage you to become a Shared Lives carer. The most important thing is that you are passionate and caring.

“Jo helps me to step out of my comfort zone. We do all kinds of activities together. She is the favourite customer of our local coffee shop and we visit as much as we can.”

Julie took up her Shared Lives role four years ago after working long shift-hours in a residential home.

She describes Jo as a bubbly person who is full of life and loves dancing, theatre, pop and TV soaps. They have even been on holiday together to Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands.

Coun Tony Harper said: “This is a great scheme that enables people to enjoy independence and be part of their local community.”_**

Interesting … and at grass roots level.

( I had come across a " Nannygarden " before … one former nurse who used to look after 5 elderly persons whilst their sons /
daughters worked during the day … not sure if it ever was " Official " or not … 1998 / 1999 … Lowestoft. )

I trust that none of the carers … as in family / kinship carer … are offering to take part in the Scheme are also claiming income related benefits ???

For some . consider swapping carees … then join such a Scheme … and get paid for it ???

Even better , let your caree assume the identity of the other … no need then to even switch properties !!!

My cynical mind works at high speed some times … a commission of 10% for this potential nice little earner ???
( " That new " Elderly " resident of yours , Chris. Looks young enough to be your granddaughter ?

Well , one can only try … )

Shared Lives is not a permanent thing, should be regarded as a stepping stone to something else. It’s used here,
OK until the carer changes her mind or gets ill.

Or until the caree’s needs increase, or are misrepresented from the start. Its ok to offer your home to someone needing just a little support and help, but most would balk at changing incontinence pads, or putting up with violent or abusive behaviours. Easy carees are easy carees wherever they are and are easy to place, however needier or more difficult will still need more formal setting and support. This Shared Lives scheme is really only suitable for very few. It’s just another way of Councils trying to shift people to cheaper settings, whether those settings are right for the person or not. Be very careful.

Having spoken to a number of service users, it’s a good “stepping stone” from either living with mum and dad, or living in residential care, to having your own place, or “supported living”.

That’s good to know BB

Another manor’s effects to improve their shared lives scheme … Cleckheaton area , West YorkieLand :


**Carers wanted to join Shared Lives scheme.

Kirklees Council is currently looking to recruit more carers in order to help the more vulnerable people in the area.**


__

Kirklees Shared Lives is a scheme run by the council and has been running for 32 years.

The scheme recruits carers ready to share their home and matches them with adults with additional needs. The council is hoping at attract more helpers.

Shared Lives carers support adults with additional needs including:

○ On set dementia

○ Learning disabilities

○ Physical disabilities

○ Older people

○ Mental health issues

○ After hospital care

All carers receive support and training from social workers to ensure delivery of high-quality, person-centred care. They also receive a payment for each individual they care for.

Deputy mayor, Councillor Nigel Fitzpatrick, said: “Shared Lives currently supports 69 people across Kirklees, but with a population of over 400,000 there are so many other individuals that would benefit from this type of care.

“If you have a spare room to offer and would like to play a key part in making a positive difference to someone’s life, then we really do want to hear from you.”
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