Who is eligible?
Shared carers are supported by a Social Worker who aims to make sure all the arrangements run smoothly.
How shared care could work for you
If your assessed needs include shared care, you will be linked with a Shared Carer who can offer planned, flexible support by:
- welcoming the person with a learning disability who you care for into their home for a day, an occasional week-end or a longer stay, or
- going out with them on day trips, visits and leisure activities, or
- sitting with the person in their own home to enable you (the main carer) to go out.
How to access the service
If you think you need the support shared care can offer contact Social Care and Health using the details below. A social worker will arrange to visit you to talk about your situation and make an assessment of your needs. Your carers' needs will also be taken into account.
If shared care can meet your assessed needs and the eligibility criteria, you will be introduced to a suitable Shared Carer, subject to their availability.
You will then be given the opportunity to get to know each other at a pace that suits everyone involved.
The social worker will arrange regular reviews to make sure the service meets your needs.
What it might it cost?
If you receive overnight stays you will be charged for the shared care provided. There will be a financial assessment to work out how much you will have to pay for any activities arranged during the care break. The Shared Carer receives a small payment for providing the care. This varies according to the amount of time involved.
Who are Shared Carers?
Shared Carers can be people from a variety of backgrounds who have an interest in supporting people who have a learning disability.
Shared Carers might be single, married, or living with a partner. They may have children or they may not.
Lewisham’s Social Care and Health recruits and supports Shared Carers by:
- carefully assessing their suitability, making police and health checks and taking up personal references
- providing training on a variety of topics including disability awareness and health and safety issues
- keeping in regular contact by telephone calls, home visits and through newsletters.