Shared Lives Carer

Are you ready for a job with a difference? Have you heard of Shared Lives? We are currently recruiting for caring individuals across Ayrshire to become Shared Lives and Short Breaks (respite) Carers.

What is a Shared Lives Carer? It is sometimes likened to fostering, but for adults. Shared Lives is an essential service which provides short breaks, transitional and long-term placements to individuals aged from 16 who require care and support because of their disability, condition or support need. We help people who need a little bit of extra support to live in their own community, and live their life to full, without having to live alone.

As a Shared Lives and Short Breaks Carer, you would support the individual in your own home and include the person in your family and community life which, in many cases, leads to that individual naturally becoming a long-term part of a supportive family.

Our Shared Lives team follows a careful matching process looking in a holistic way at our carer’s strengths, knowledge and personalities, matching these to the needs of the person we support. This ensures the person is comfortable and is given choice about who provides their support and that the carer feels able to fully support the person who will be staying with them in their home.

Once a placement is made, our Shared Lives team regularly visit carers to ensure they feel happy, confident and supported in their role. Additionally, as part of the Shared Lives community, all carers are welcome at regular carers’ forum meetings to meet with other carers and exchange ideas, share knowledge and experience.

All Shared Lives Carers go through several mandatory checks as part of the assessment process, which includes an application form, home visits and an interview with our assessment panel. All Carers would also be required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme through Disclosure Scotland.

Who can become a Shared Lives Carer? If you have a spare room, the time and a passion for making a difference, then Shared Lives is for you. Shared Lives Carers come from all walks of life – some have worked as professional care workers, whilst others have cared for people in their own family. Some of our carers are retired and find their house is too quiet after grown up children leave home. Others are parents with young children for whom Shared Lives means they can be at home with their children instead of going out to work.

The one thing they have in common is that they are all enthusiastic about welcoming someone into their home and family life. We are looking for people who have patience, empathy, a sense of humour and the ability to help individuals meet the challenges presented by everyday life.

Our Shared Lives Carers are self-employed and receive a generous allowance with additional help towards household costs and have plenty of opportunities to enhance their professional development through Cornerstone’s award-winning Training Academy. But, more than that, as a Shared Lives Carer, you have the chance to make a real difference to the lives of others.

Interested in finding out more about Shared Lives and becoming a Shared Lives Carer? Then don't delay and contact our friendly team by emailing sharedlives@cornerstone.org.uk or give Marissa Speed a call on 01294 311 723.