Shared Lives rated Good by the CQC

The Care Quality Commission conducted a comprehensive inspection of the Wiltshire Council Shared Lives Service at the end of October. It looked at five key areas and asked if the service was safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led. In all five areas, the service was rated as Good.

The Shared Lives Service is a scheme which provides people with long-term placements, short breaks and respite care within Shared Lives Carers' own homes.

The Care Quality Commission found that people's outcomes were consistently good, and the feedback from customers and relatives confirmed this. The service took time to match people with carers and their households to make it successful for all.

People using the service said they were treated with kindness and were positive about the shared lives carers. They said, "I have so much support" and "I am part of the [carer's] family now. I am very happy with Shared Lives."

Relatives too felt people were well treated and comments included, "The lady he lives with is very kind, my relative has never had a bad word to say about her and he would if she was unkind." Another said: "I am overwhelmed at how well it has gone and the level of care that is shown to my relative.”

The Care Quality Commission found that people were supported to make decisions about their care. They were also told by one carer, "It's like a family so we do things together and [person] will say what they want, and we support her."

People receive personalised care and support that is responsive to their needs and preferences and relatives were included in the planning of the care of their relative where appropriate.

Shared Lives Carers support people to develop and maintain relationships that are important to them and customers told inspectors about the activities they did including watching football, going to craft and singing groups, on holiday and to the pub. Relatives agreed and said that people were supported to keep in contact with family and take part in activities they enjoyed.

Cllr Jane Davies, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care said, “Shared Lives is a bit like fostering but for adults. The service enables people with mental health needs, learning disabilities or physical impairments to live as part of a family within their home, providing the support and care they need.

“We are delighted that our Shared Lives service has been rated Good in all five areas.

“This service is not well known but it is a service that we want to make more people aware of and expand. We are currently recruiting more Shared Lives Carers. Carers are self-employed and receive a fee of up to £640 per week depending on the level of need. They can support up to three people and are fully trained and supported by our Shared Lives team. People don’t need qualifications or previous care experience to become a Shared Lives Carer. Our lives get better when they’re shared. If you’re willing to provide care and support, we’d love to meet you.”

Visit the Wiltshire Council website to find out more about Shared Lives Carers and how to become one www.wiltshire.gov.uk/who-do-shared-lives-carers-support

Read the full Care Quality Commission Report at Wiltshire Council Shared Lives Service - Care Quality Commission (cqc.org.uk)