Shared Lives services for Northern Ireland

Shared Lives Northern Ireland (NI) services support adults over 65 years old and adults with learning disabilities. They match someone who needs care with an approved Shared Lives Carer.

About Shared Lives Northern Ireland (NI) services

Shared Lives services offer people in need of support a safe, welcoming family environment where they can enjoy day support, short breaks or live permanently with Shared Lives Carers.

Day support is only available to older people at this time.

Shared Lives services support people to:

stay within their local communities
live independently for longer
develop new friendships
give their families and carers a break

Shared Lives services match a person in need of support with an approved Shared Lives Carer who understands their needs and has similar interests and hobbies.

It is an alternative form of traditional social care that is a regulated service, which provides assurance for all involved.

An information video is available at:

Shared Lives

Being a Shared Lives Carer

Shared Lives Carers share their home and family life with the people they are supporting.

Anyone over the age of 21 can become a Shared Lives Carer.

You don’t need formal qualifications or experience – just the right values and willingness to share your life with another person.

You will receive training.

The benefits of Shared Lives

Shared Lives services:

promote social inclusion
improve quality of life
create new life experiences, friends and sustainable relationships
offer consistent and continuous support

Shared Lives suits many people because it provides an alternative to traditional forms of care.

It gives adults choice, flexibility and is a person-centred approach.

How to become a Shared Lives Carer

The following video has information on how to become a Shared Lives Carer:

Shared Lives Northern Ireland

If you are interested in supporting someone with a learning disability, contact your local Health and Social Care Trust:

You can find more information on services for older people by contacting Age NI:

email: sharedlives@ageni.org
website: Age NI

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