How to become a Shared Lives Carer

Shared Lives Northumberland is actively seeking new Shared Lives carers throughout the county. You can find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer here. 

Becoming a Shared Lives carer

Shared Lives carers help people to develop and maintain independent living skills, friendships and roots in the community.   

What support can I provide?

You can choose what type of support you want to provide.

Short term support ranges from an overnight break, long weekend or up to 28- day stay.

Long term support can last for many years.

The support you provide may include:  

• personal care, like washing and dressing  
• emotional support  
• helping the person you care for take their medication 
• helping them with cooking and cleaning 
• encouraging the person you support to build their independence

  I'd like to know more
 

Criteria for becoming a carer

Whether you're married or single, your sexuality, age and employment status will not impact on your application.

We provide full training and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and family circumstances. 

You don't need a specific qualification when you apply to become a Shared Lives carer, but as part of the process to become a carer you will need to: 

• Attend training courses 
• Have a DBS check (a check by the Disclosure and Barring service) paid for by us
• Have your home checked for health and safety. 

 

Essential criteria 

It is essential that you have: 

• A spare bedroom 
• A safe, clean and comfortable home

 

What to expect

You will:  

• Be self-employed and will work from home and be responsible for your own tax and NI contributions. HMRC (HM Revenue & Customs) have agreed a beneficial tax arrangement for Shared Lives carers.
• You can download the HMRC tax guidance for Shared Lives carers (still called adult placement carers) here.  
• Receive at least a weekly fee of £484.81 (2024/25) while someone is staying with you.  
• Have at least 4 weeks' paid holiday a year  
• Get continuous support and guidance from us.  
• Have regular training, and support meetings with other Shared Lives carers.
• Be involved in our social activities for carers and the people they support, which include friendship walks, picnics and discos.

 

How do you match carers to the people who live or stay with them? 

Matching you to the right person / people is the key to a successful arrangement.     Everyone is different, so we will talk to you to find out the things that are important to you and to the people living in your home.     

We will always do our best to match you with people who suit you and your lifestyle and we will arrange for you all to spend time together before anyone commits to moving in. 
 

What support is available for Shared Lives carers?  

Each Shared Lives carer is supported by a Shared Lives Coordinator who will give you the support you need to be a carer. You can find out more about the support available in the Support for Shared Lives Carers section.
 

Have a chat with us

If you are interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer and would like to know more

contact us for an informal chat

You can leave your contact details here and we will call you at a time that is convenient to you.

If you decide to go ahead we will discuss the application process with you and arrange an initial visit to meet you at your home.

During this initial visit, we will take some basic information, have a look round your home, and talk you through exactly what being a Shared Lives carer involves and answer any queries you may have.   If you wish to go ahead and we feel confident that Shared Lives is right for you, we will then invite you to join the assessment process.
 

Assessment  

The assessment process consists of a series of conversations with a Shared Lives coordinator, who will compile the information into a document to be considered by our independent panel.

The process can take around six weeks and offers us all an opportunity to see whether Shared Lives is right for you.
 

Approval  

Once your assessment is completed, we will put your assessment to our independent panel that will help decide whether you should be recommended as a Shared Lives carer for Shared Lives Northumberland.   Sharing your life is a big commitment and we would not expect you to decide overnight. Equally you would not expect us to match you with someone tomorrow. It takes time and patience to become a Shared Lives carer.   The average time from the assessment to carers being ready to welcome someone into their own home is around six months.