October 13, 2023
Knowsley MP impressed by Shared Lives scheme that could save hundreds of thousands
On Tuesday 8th August, Knowsley MP George Howarth visited the home of PSS Shared Lives carer Stephanie, who supports someone with additional needs in her family home, as part of the PSS Shared Lives scheme. In the midst of mounting concerns around underfunding in the care sector, the visit aimed to not only spotlight the innovative Shared Lives caregiving model, but also address the pressing issue of financial support for the social care sector, for which the Shared Lives model could save hundreds of thousands of pounds every year.
MP for Knowlsey South, George and Shared Lives carer Steph
Shared Lives is a little bit like fostering, but it’s for adults who want to live as independently as possible. Shared Lives carers are specially trained and matched with someone who needs support, and they move into the carer’s family home.
MP George Howarth went to meet Stephanie, a Shared Lives carer of eight years, who was instrumental in the introduction of the country’s first ever home-from-hospital care arrangement, which supports people who are ready to leave hospital but may need some support to get back on their feet again. Stephanie’s longest care arrangement recently came to an end after four years, in which time, the person she supported overcame selective mutism, to then visit No. 10 to raise support for better voting rights for people with disabilities.
Stephanie said: ‘Being a Shared Lives carer isn’t just about offering care. That individual becomes a part of our extended family. I was a Foster carer before I came to PSS and the model is very similar, but the main difference is we’re supporting adults. It’s a triumph to see them grow in independence and eventually move on.’
Howarth has spent nearly 40 years in his current role as MP for Knowsley, and has announced he will step down before the next election. Howarth heard about the unique, community-centred approach that Shared Lives takes, which tackles the all-too-common revolving door dilemma within social care.
Howarth said: ‘It was a great privilege to visit a family in Knowsley who take part in the PSS Shared Lives scheme. The support for families taking part in Shared Lives provided by PSS is both much-needed and impressive, and the kindness of the families taking part is critical in helping people cope with the many challenges in their lives. My warm congratulations to all concerned for the help they provide to those who need a friend.’
CEO of PSS, Lesley Dixon, said, “The juxtaposition of Mr. Howarth’s visit with the ongoing discussions about funding gaps in the care sector is telling. It reinforces the necessity of reevaluating our approach to social care and investing in models like Shared Lives that not only offer better outcomes for individuals but also present significant financial advantages.”
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