24th November 2022
As Bolton’s biggest care provider, Bolton Cares offers a wide range of person-centred services. One of our key ones is Shared Lives.
Our Shared Lives service is well known in the North West, with over 30 years under its belt we have a network of over 70 dedicated carers and support over 80 fantastic people across Bolton to live life to the full.
Shared Lives is when families open up their homes to support and care for adults with a variety of needs including adults with Learning disabilities, Autism, Mental health, Older adults and young people in transition to adulthood.
Through Shared Lives, people are enabled and empowered to develop new friendships and gain the confidence and skills to live enriched and fulfilled lives.
We match people with approved carers who share their daily lives and their hobbies and activities and we aim to maintain and develop people’s independent living skills within a family-based community setting. So, if cooking, crafts, football or a concert is what you enjoy our Shared Lived carers will work with you to make that happen.
Joining the Shared Lives service is often a turning point in people’s lives and helps them gain important life skills so they can thrive. For some it could be the first time they connect with their community, cook a meal, go out with friends or go on holiday.
Some people move in with their Shared Lives carer, others just visit in the day and some combine day and overnight visits. The service is flexible and fits round the needs of the carer and those being cared for.
Watch our Shared Lives video to find out more about our Shared Lives programme. Shared Lives – Bolton Cares
Meet some of our Shared Lives Carers
Our Shared Lived carers are passionate and dedicated people from all walks of life who are committed to making a difference to someone’s life. Being a Shared Lives carer is fulfilling and can be financially rewarding. Take a look at our FAQs on the website for further information. Shared Lives – Bolton Cares
This is what some of our Shared Lives carers have said about how being a Shared Lives carer.
Liam and Kirk are a professional married couple. They share their lives with S who is 20 and has complex needs. S lives with Kirk and Liam full time.
They said.
“S is the focal point of our happy, family life. He has Impacted our lives in such a positive way and given it new meaning.”
Annette lives with her young son and looks after a number of people on a short and long term respite care basis and loves the variety.
She said.
“I love caring and thinking up new and creative ways of engaging with people to nurture them. I do this through cooking, days out, games and crafts such as bracelet making.
“Doing a variety of activities helps build a rapport with the people I support, it also builds their confidence, allows them to interact and develops their social and cognitive skills, gets them talking and sharing.”
Is Shared Lives for you?
It takes a special kind of person to be a Shared Lives carer and we are always looking for new people to join us.
If you are over 18, rent or own your own home and have a spare room, you could be a Shared Lives Carer.
You don’t need qualifications; the most important thing is that you’re enthusiastic and excited about developing the independence and skills of others.
If you think you have what it takes and want to welcome someone into your home, we’d love to have a chat.
During your Shared Lives journey, we offer a wide range of training and support, in-person and financially. So, if you want a rewarding career in care, while working from home and earning a decent salary, get in touch. Take a look at our FAQs on the website. Shared Lives Frequently Asked Questions – Bolton Cares
Email us at sharedlives@boltoncares.org.uk or call on 01204 331111 and talk to one of our friendly team.