Leeds Shared Lives (formerly known as Family Placement) offers carers the opportunity to have a break from their caring responsibility. We aim to help in a variety of ways
- Providing companionship and a change of scene
- By offering regular periods of care
- By giving carers the opportunity to take a holiday
- In crises and emergencies
- Providing opportunities to acquire new interests or skills
- By encouraging greater independence
- For convalescence
What is a short break?
A short break is short term care provided in a flexible way suited to your needs in the home of one of our approved carers and may be one or all of the following:
- Overnight
- A weekend or part of a week
- A week or two weeks
- Longer periods
Short break care can not provide a service to individuals who need care during the night. Carers cannot care for any person who has been assessed as needing help from more than one person.
Who can use the service?
- Carers in need of a break or urgent help
- People with dementia
- People with physical disabilities
- People with learning disabilities
- Older people
- Older people or people with disabilities who live alone
Who are the Shared Lives carers?
Our carers come from a wide variety of backgrounds and are trained, checked and approved before they can begin providing care to someone.
What you can expect?
People who use the short breaks scheme can expect the privacy of their own room which may be upstairs or downstairs. They may also have the opportunity to enjoy the company of their Shared Lives carer and if they wish, may join in with their activities. Short breaks carers can offer support with personal care and offer supervision and guidance
How does the short break scheme work?
Referrals to Shared Lives are received from a social worker or care manager. Once an appropriate match is made with a family placement carer the allocated worker will introduce the carer to you.
This initial meeting is an opportunity for you to meet the carer and decide whether or not you would like to go ahead and try out a stay with the Shared Lives carer.
Only when all parties are happy to proceed will the placement go ahead. Any placements offered will depend upon the needs and circumstances of you and your carer.
Is there a charge?
Yes, the charges per day are
- Age 18 to 24 £ 8.22
- Age 25 to 60 £10.16
- Age 61 and over £15.76
These charges will be updated in April 2011.
How can I find out more?
You can contact us directly on 0113 224 3503.