The last 12 months have been a year like no other. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought communities together like never before and prompted many people to take stock and think about making changes to their lives, including looking at a new career.
If you are looking for a new and meaningful role in 2021, now could be the time to make that change.
Dorset Council wants more people to think about paid careers in social care and to register their interest in frontline roles such as working in a residential or home care setting, or as a Shared Lives carer, supporting people to lead fulfilling lives.
What is Shared Lives?
Shared Lives is a service that helps people over the age of 18 who have care and support needs. Put simply, it’s a bit like fostering. Instead of helping children however, you would be offering support to an adult who would live or spend time in your home.
Shared Lives carers are paid for the care and support they give. By sharing your home and your family life, you help to create an environment where a person can flourish, develop their independence and enjoy being part of a community.
Find out more about Shared Lives.
Cllr Laura Miller, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health said:
“Shared Lives carers are people who really make a difference and we know this scheme is a fantastic way to help people with care needs live more independently, make new friends and become part of their community.
“You don’t need to have formal qualifications as we will train you and provide support every step of the way, but it is important that you are kind, caring and understanding.
“If you have room in your heart and in your home, we would love to hear from you.”
Could you be a Shared Lives carer?
There is no such thing as a typical Shared Lives carer. We want to attract a wide range of people in order to meet the diverse needs of the people who use our service.
What matters is that you have space in your heart and can support an adult with care and support needs. You can choose to provide long term, short term, respite or day support.
Shared Lives carers are:
- self-employed
- work from their own homes
- receive payment for the care and support they provide
- part of a network of other carers
Before any placement starts there are lots of opportunities for Shared Lives carers and the people using the scheme to meet and get to know each other. Every effort is made to match the people using the scheme with the right carer and there’s ongoing support provided to help build and maintain positive and happy relationships.
Register Now
Register your interest in becoming a Shared Lives carer today.
All placements are regularly reviewed by the scheme which is regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
