Shared Lives Shared Lives offers individuals with eligible needs the opportunity to be supported in a family setting. Shared Lives providers are care workers who open their homes to adults who may have learning difficulties, learning disabilities, mental health conditions, physical disabilities or dementia. Care workers provide long-term or replacement care, support and accommodation. Shared Lives providers can support individuals with daily routines, for example helping with personal care, attending appointments, and accessing the local community. They also provide friendship, support with gaining independence and help people to continue doing the things they enjoy.
Shared Lives can make a real difference to people by helping them to live as independently as possible, supporting new life experiences and social inclusion. Shared Lives is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). View the latest inspection ratings at www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-982233179 If you are interested in the scheme, you can download the Shared Lives booklet or watch videos about what it’s like to live in a Shared Lives placement. Tel: 01905 765622 (select option three). Email: sharedlivesadmin@worcestershire.gov.uk Web: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/info/20563/ shared_lives_scheme
Specialist services Learning disability The Government has indicated that services for people with disabilities should promote the following key principles: • Respect people’s rights. • Actively promote people’s independence. • Ensure that people have, and can make, choices in all areas of their lives. • Create opportunities for people to be included rather than separated from society.
If you, or someone you care for, has a learning disability and would like to know more about what housing options are available, download the guide produced by the Worcestershire Learning Disability Partnership Board. Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk and search ‘housing options for people with a learning disability’. Community Learning Disability Teams (CLDTs) work with adults aged 18 and over who have a learning disability and are not able to manage without the right kind of support.
If you are assessed as eligible for support, we will be able to help you find the right support to meet your needs. Services can include help in the home (explained on page 19), adaptations and equipment (see page 10) and holidays.
You can get help and advice on problems you may be experiencing with being listened to or understood, your education, keeping well, money and work, somewhere to live, things to do and helping others to care for you.
For people looking to move out of their family home, there are several options that could be explored, such as living in your own home with support, a Supported Living scheme (explained on page 37) or residential care.
Support can come from social workers, community nurses, dieticians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, speech and language therapists or your doctor. The CLDTs will also help you get advice and support on advocacy, benefits, housing and from the police if necessary. Contact Worcestershire County Council on 01905 768053 for more information.
These options can give you greater independence and choice over your accommodation needs.
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