October 28, 2014

Life with Clare and Chris

Clare Saunders developed a passion for the caring profession whilst running a residential home for older people with learning difficulties. She lived in the home, where she had responsibility for nine people whom she got to know inside out. Following a change in her personal circumstances she moved to Staffordshire with her two sons and daughter and was approached by a social worker friend who asked if she would like to be involved in ‘adult placement’ as Shared Lives was then known. Clare seized the opportunity and she underwent a period of training with PSS. An introduction to Chris, a man with Down’s Syndrome, followed and Chris has been living in Clare’s family home during the week ever since, returning home to his family at weekends.

“We have a fantastic situation that has not only benefited Chris but my family too,” said Clare of Armitage, Rugeley. “As well as us getting to know Chris very well, he knows all about us. I think this is really important for an equal relationship as when I worked in residential care, it always struck me that I knew everything about the people in my care but they knew nothing about me.”

Clare also provides day care for several people with learning difficulties and offers respite over the weekend to enable people caring for relatives with special needs to have a break.

“I take care of everything, from doctors and hospital appointments to administering medication and organising social events,” continued Clare. “I got lots of support and continued training from PSS and there is always someone at the end of the phone if I need a bit of advice.

“I have been helping one of the people I care for to develop their social skills to enable them to live more independently. This has been incredibly rewarding as is all of my work. I don’t think people are aware of Shared Lives but I think it is fantastic and benefits everyone involved. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”