Shared lives carers recognised for their hard work during Coronavirus

• Lead Member Hull City Council
• Categories Health & Social Care

Shared lives carers play a valuable role in society.  Shared lives carers support adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems or other needs that make it difficult for them to live a fully independent lifestyle.

Paula Curtiss, Shared Lives manager, said: “For many of us, the pandemic has been extremely challenging.  The impact on shared lives carers and those they support is no less so. When you care for someone who is not a family member, but lives with you as part of the family, it makes this caring very unique and specialised.”

The scheme matches someone in need with an approved carer who shares their family and community life whilst giving care and support to someone with care needs. The carer provides accommodation and support, with some individuals moving in with their carer.

Paula said: “Throughout the worst of the pandemic, shared lives carers went without breaks from their caring role.  It was an extremely testing time. Nevertheless, the commitment of the carers to those they support has been awe-inspiring.”

Read more…