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Shared Lives

Go to the Easy read version about Shared Lives.

The Shared Lives scheme provides a range of services in Medway which enable vulnerable adults to share in family life, make new friends, enjoy new experiences and share in everyday activities. The scheme encourages people to promote their strengths and abilities.

The Shared Lives scheme aims to maintain strong links between adults seeking placements and their families. The scheme encourages people to plan for their future as well as keeping in touch with their past.

The Medway Council Shared Lives scheme was awarded an Excellent, Three Star status by the Care Quality Commission in 2010. The Star award scheme has since ended and providers are found to be either compliant or non-compliant. The Medway Scheme had a Review of Compliance in April 2011 in which we were found to be compliant in all essential standards reviewed. Download the Compliance Document (pdf 130KB).

To use this file you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have it on your computer, please use our advice page.

Shared Lives newsletter

The summer 2012 edition of the Shared Lives newsletter can be found on the carers' page.

Medway Shared Lives gains award

Shared Lives was awarded a Medway Council Recognition Award 2012. Visit the Shared Lives gallery to view the team accepting their award.

Who can access the service?

  • Adults with learning and physical disabilities between the ages of 18 and 65 years.
  • People over the age of 65 years with learning disabilities, in some circumstances.

Who provides the care?

Care is given by carers who are friendly, sensible and mature people who have been approved by Medway Council. All carers undergo police and health checks and an extensive assessment. Carers encourage people to take part in everyday family life and to develop their own interests.

A carer can be an individual or a family who can offer short or long-term accommodation in their own home to an adult with a learning or physical disability.

Carers should be adults living alone or in a family in Medway, who have a spare bedroom and have the time and patience to support an adult with a learning disability. Carers receive training before anyone is placed with their family and continuing help and support is provided. A review of carers is carried out each year. In this way, we can ensure a high standard of care is being provided.

Carers provide the following services:

  • long-term care and support;
  • kinship;
  • day support;
  • respite and short breaks.

Shared Lives needs you

Medway Shared Lives Scheme is always looking for more people who are willing to share their home and lives with vulnerable adults. You can be a couple, single, a homeowner or renting your property, we don't mind. You will have a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check and a thorough assessment by the Shared Lives Team. Presently we support adults with learning disabilities, but we are now advertising our services for adults with a physical disability and adults with Dementia.

The support provided ranges from long-term live-in support, short-term live-in support,  respite care, and sessional support. If you think you could support someone in one or more of these ways, please call the number below or download the 'Get Involved' initial application form ( pdf 62KB).To use these files you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have it on your computer, please use the advice page.

Find out more

You can find out more about how Shared Lives works by following the links below:Image of text shared lives

 

For more information contact us by telephone: 01634 337100 or by email: sharedlives@medway.gov.uk

Write to: Shared Lives, Lordswood Community and Healthy Living Centre, Sultan Road, Lordswood, Chatham, Kent ME5 8JT

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