Harrow Shared Lives Scheme

What is the Harrow Shared Lives Scheme (HSLS)?

  • The HSLS is a scheme where people who need care live with a family or household that helps to look after them. The family provides support with daily tasks, but also helps the person stay as independent as possible. This scheme lets people live in a home instead of a care home. It helps them feel like part of the community while getting the care they need.

We seek ordinary people to do the extraordinary. Share your lives with a vulnerable adult. For many carers, the scheme's greatest reward is the joy it brings. It's a valuable service that enables people to have got a better quality of life. Adults who live with carers blossom in an environment that:

  • Encourages them to have self-confidence.
  • Helps them become more independent.
  • Gives them the message that they matter. Let them know they are cared for.

The HSLS places them, with their agreement, in loving, respectful homes. The scheme is subject to legislation. This protects adults. It gives carers the tools to ensure the best care at home. Many service users are independent and mobile. They do not need high-level personal care.

Carers will be paid weekly to support their vulnerable person. Payment is dependent on several variables. Carers can expect to be paid between £345 and £545 per service user on a weekly basis.

We are interested in applicants from all backgrounds. There is a particular need for:

  • Gujarati, Hindi, and Farsi speakers.
  • People with ground-floor facilities. This suits clients who are less mobile.

Applying to be a Shared Lives carer

Anyone can apply to be a Shared Lives carer. We seek those who truly want to provide a family home to a vulnerable person. You need to be:

  • Aged 18 and over and in good health.
  • A resident in Harrow.
  • Friendly and reliable. Able to respect the rights and dignity of vulnerable adults.
  • flexible and capable of getting along with all kinds of people
  • Able to provide a good-sized spare bedroom. Unless in the case of day services.

We will assess and approve all applications. They must follow our equal opportunities' policy. All applicants will be DBS checked.

Apply to be a carer

Support and training

We offer training and regular visits. It helps carers to develop skills and knowledge. Topics covered in training include:

  • First Aid.
  • Safeguarding.
  • Manual handling.
  • Mental capacity.
  • Finance.
  • Risk Assessment.
  • Medication.

Report an accident or health issue

To report an accident or near miss, complete our incident report form:

To claim for respite care, complete our respite carer form.