Who can use Shared Lives

Shared Lives is a support service that helps adults live more independently in the community. It provides an alternative to residential care, with support in a carer's home or community setting.

Shared Lives is for adults who:

  • need support to live in the community
  • are over 18
  • are eligible for social care services

This includes people who have:

  • a learning disability
  • a mental health condition
  • support needs due to age
  • a physical disability
  • other disabilities or impairments

What Shared Lives support offers

Shared Lives support can be provided in different ways, depending on what works best for the person needing support.

In a carer’s home

The person may live in a Shared Lives carer’s home and receive support with everyday life.

This can be:

  • short‑term, for example to give a family carer a break
  • long‑term, as a more permanent living arrangement

Daytime support

The person can have regular support sessions during the day in a Shared Lives carer’s home.

Outreach support

The person may live in their own home, with a Shared Lives carer providing help as needed.

How to get support from Shared Lives 

To receive Shared Lives support, an assessment is needed to check whether someone is eligible.

If an assessment has already been completed, the person’s social worker can advise on what Shared Lives support may be available.

Contact us

To find out more about Shared Lives support, visit the contact us about care and support page.

Our Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating

Complaints, compliments or comments

If you wish to make a complaint, comment or compliment about the Shared Lives service, please visit the make a comment, compliment or complaint page.

Other ways to make a complaint

Write to:

Complaints and Information Team
County Hall
West Bridgford
Nottingham
NG2 7QP