Shared Lives carers help people regain the skills and confidence to return home from hospital

Saturday, 11 March 2023 00:00

Wiltshire Council has launched a new support service to help people that are medically fit to leave the hospital and continue their recovery in a safe environment while regaining the daily living skills and confidence they need to return to their own homes.

The Shared Lives Home from Hospital Service will enable people to stay and be cared for in the home of a Shared Lives carer for up to 12 weeks before either returning to their own home to live independently or moving to somewhere that can provide ongoing support they need.

Wiltshire Council is working with health partners on several initiatives to ensure those medically ready to leave the hospital can do so safely. Introducing the Home from Hospital Service will mean people don’t have to stay in the hospital when they are ready to leave. As well as creating a more supportive and homely environment for the individuals will mean more hospital beds are available for those who need them.

There are many reasons why people ready to leave the hospital cannot return to their homes immediately. They may be waiting for adaptations to their home to make it suitable, require day-to-day support to continue their recovery following medical conditions such as a stroke or learn how to manage a long-term condition.

There is no one at home to assist them. It could also be because they are waiting for the start of home care services or have had a period of mental ill health which required hospital admission. Older people could require more time to recover and regain their strength and confidence following a hospital stay.

Cllr Jane Davies, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Wiltshire residents may be in hospital when medically they no longer need to be there. Our Shared Lives Carers support people leaving hospital to regain daily living skills, fitness and the confidence to enable them to return to their own home or to somewhere that can provide the support they need long term.

“We need more Shared Lives carers to help us deliver this important service. The job is very flexible with carers able to work in their own home and fit around their family life. Shared Lives carers do not need qualifications as we provide training but should have a wide range of life experience.”

Shared Lives carers come from diverse backgrounds. They may be single or couples, with or without children living at home. They can be any age over 18 years.

Shared Lives carers are paid £850 per week, per person for this Home from Hospital service Carers are self-employed and eligible for tax breaks and can claim mileage.  They have access to Wiltshire Council shopping rewards scheme They have access to a discount at Wiltshire Council leisure facilities They have membership of Shared Lives Plus

For more information visit the Wiltshire Council website at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/home-from-hospital