Former Secretary of State for Wales and MP for Clwyd West, David Jones, paid a special visit to the home of PSS Shared Lives carers Tim and Sam. Situated in the heart of Ruthin, their five-acre, 12-bedroom residence has become a haven for three individuals with additional needs.
The visit aimed to not only shed light on the innovative Shared Lives caregiving model, but also draw attention to the critical issue of financial support for the social care sector, for which the Shared Lives model could save hundreds of thousands of pounds every year.
Shared Lives is often likened to fostering but designed for adults looking for maximum independence. PSS Shared Lives matches specially trained carers with someone who needs support, and they all live together in the carer’s family home.
Tim and Sam support Scott, Moz and Ben, who each have individual additional needs for which the model of Shared Lives provides effective care.
Tim said: ‘In contrast to care homes or supported living, you have the freedom to try things out, experiment, and tailor care approaches until you discover what works best for them. It’s entirely personalised and tailored to their specific needs, which is why it’s so effective.’
Jones has been MP for Clwyd West since 2005.
Jones said: ‘Shared Lives delivers care that is personalised, not institutionalised. It should be more widely known and should be a model that is adopted far more widely by local authorities. It’s also very cost-effective, which in the economic climate is another important consideration’.
Director of Operations for PSS Shared Lives, Harriet Michael-Phillips said: ‘Shared Lives offers a unique and effective approach to care and support. It’s about creating a true sense of belonging and individualised support within a family setting. Our visit today underscores the value of Shared Lives in addressing the pressing needs of individuals with specific support requirements while also presenting an economical solution for the social care sector.’
Shared Lives making big savings for social care
An independent review conducted on the Shared Lives model has revealed compelling evidence of its potential financial benefits. The study found that Shared Lives has the capacity to yield substantial savings, ranging from £8,000 to £30,000 per person with a learning disability annually, contingent upon the level of care provided. These findings highlight the cost-effectiveness of Shared Lives in comparison to traditional care models, like supported living or reinforcing the urgency of exploring and investing in innovative approaches.
To find out more about Shared Lives care or to enquire about becoming a carer go to: www.sharedlivescarers.com