Become a Shared Lives Carer
Make a difference to someone’s life. Help someone to thrive. Work from home as a paid carer.
Become a Shared Lives Carer in the South West
Do you want to make a real difference in someone’s life?
Shared Lives South West connects adults with learning disabilities, autism, or mental health needs with caring people in their community.
As a Shared Lives carer in Devon, Cornwall, or Somerset, you’ll provide home-based supported living care, get full training and support, and enjoy a paid carer role that fits your lifestyle.
Whether you have previous experience in adult social care or are new to caring and have transferable skills, our team will guide you every step of the way.
Start your journey today and help adults live the fullest life possible. Contact us today.
Why become a Shared Lives Carer?
Being a Shared Lives Carer is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting difference. You’ll provide community-based support in a safe, welcoming home environment.
Many carers find it one of the most fulfilling home-based caring roles in the South West.
Watch real stories from our Shared Lives Carers
How much will I be paid as a Shared Lives Carer?
Being a Shared Lives Carer is a paid role, you can find out more about Shared Lives Carer pay and benefits.
Frequently asked questions from enquiring and new Shared Lives Carers
Visit our Shared Lives Carer FAQs page where you’ll find the answers to questions new Shared Lives Carers ask.
Rewards of being a carer
Empower someone to thrive
In your Shared Lives Carer role you can empower an individual with support needs live their fullest life while making a meaningful impact to your community.
Enjoy paid respite
Take time off to recharge, knowing you’re supported.
Work from the comfort of home
Create a flexible, rewarding routine.
Receive financial support
Earn an income while making a difference.
Tax relief
A special form of tax relief, Qualifying Care Relief, is available to people who provide Shared Lives
care.
Council Tax Discounts
Depending on household circumstances, you may qualify for:
• Carers Discount
• Severe Mental Impairment (SMI) Discount
Types of care and support you could offer
Long-term support
The person supported becomes part of your household, living with you full-time and becoming an integral part of your family. This arrangement is ideal for those seeking ongoing care, companionship, and stability in a nurturing home environment.
Short breaks / respite
Provide respite care through overnight stays, weekend visits, or short-term placements lasting a week or more. This support gives families or full-time carers a break, whilst offering individuals a change of scenery and engagement in a supportive home.
Becoming a carer?
Read our eight step guide below, watch videos of current carers talking about the role, and contact us to find out more or apply.
1. Enquiry
Contact us today to start your Shared Lives Carer journey and one of our friendly team will happily answer any questions you may have about the role.
We’ll send you an information pack and application form.
2. Submit Your Application
Once you’ve completed the application form we’ll make contact with you and arrange an initial visit with one of our Shared Lives coordinators.
3. Initial Visit
A Shared Lives coordinator will visit your home to ensure it’s suitable for the role. They will get to know you and your household, gaining a clear understanding of who you are and what you can bring as a Shared Lives Carer. Afterwards, there will be video calls to answer any questions you may have.
If everything goes well, you’ll begin the assessment process
4. Carer Assessment
You will be assigned a Shared Lives coordinator as your main point of contact throughout the carer assessment process. Over approximately six sessions, typically spread over six weeks, you’ll meet for 2-3 hours each time. Most sessions will be via video calls, but at least one will take place in your home. These sessions focus on getting to know you, discussing your experiences through reflective conversations, and giving you the opportunity to ask any questions.
5. Workbook
You’ll have some independent work to complete. We’ll provide you with a workbook to help you reflect on and document your values, skills, and experiences. While it’s quite detailed, it’s important to complete it as soon as possible, as we’ll refer to it during our assessment sessions, and it will contribute to your assessment report.
6. Carer Training
You’ll receive comprehensive mandatory training to give you insight into your future role. After completing your online training, you’ll be assigned a Shared Lives coordinator to arrange 2-3 training discussions, usually over the phone, to discuss how the training applies to Shared Lives and to review your understanding, knowledge, and skills. Your workbook, carer assessment, and training will cover similar topics, reflecting our thorough approach to preparing you for the role. This ensures we provide a high-quality service to those we support. Throughout the process, we will address any concerns and welcome your feedback.
7. Panel
Your Shared Lives coordinator will compile an ‘Assessment Report’ summarising your discussions, which you’ll have the opportunity to review and approve. This report is then submitted to a registered manager and the independent panel for the Approval Panel meeting. During the meeting, you and your coordinator will answer questions about your assessment and your motivations for becoming a carer.
Afterwards, you’ll be officially approved as a Shared Lives Carer.
8. Once Approved
As a carer, you will be supported by a Shared Lives coordinator who will work with you and the person you support to create a person-centred plan.
They will regularly monitor progress, provide advice, offer ongoing guidance, and help with training, social events, and carer meetings. Your coordinator will also stay in touch with social care teams to keep them updated on placements.
Our funding and benefits team will ensure that the individuals you support claim all the benefits they’re entitled to. They’ll also make sure you receive the correct payments and assist with any queries about mileage payments, holiday costs, and arranging respite breaks.