Shropshire Council scheme for vulnerable people awarded top rating

The Care Quality Commission has judged the Shared Lives scheme to be meeting all the essential standards of quality and safety. In a report published this month it was awarded the top rating of compliant in all areas.

The Shared Lives scheme – formerly known as the Adult Placement Service – is family- based care for vulnerable adults. Families or individuals welcome a person or people into their home, providing guidance, support and help as required. This involves sharing their home on a long term or short term basis depending on the support required. The person becomes part of the household, having the opportunity to share in everyday family life.

Inspectors highlighted how people supported by the scheme were “very happy” with their homes and support, and led “full and active lives”.

They noted that: “People said that they enjoyed a range of activities and felt like part of their carer’s families. Everyone we spoke with told us that they were very satisfied with the care and support that they received.”

One person told inspectors “I’m loving it”, adding that their carer could not do enough for them. The Care Quality Commission heard how people were encouraged to make decisions which increased their independence, including choosing activities they particularly enjoyed, from bowling to holidays.

Inspectors also talked to carers and workers. They found them to be well supported and trained, and to benefit from good information and communication. The report said: “Carers felt well supported to provide people with a happy family environment where people were encouraged and supported to live the lives they chose with the support that they required.”

In addition, the report applauded the way the service was closely monitored and took on board feedback: “When people had made suggestions for improvement or change the scheme showed us how they had listened and responded. As a result they had improved the quality of people’s lives.”

Sarah Lloyd, Shared Lives manager, said:

“The report reflects the dedication of the Shared Lives team and carers, all of whom are committed to ensuring that service users receive the best possible outcomes.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and making Shared Lives a success, and we look forward to the expansion and development of the scheme in the future.”

Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for adult social care, said:

“This is an outstanding report which recognises that Shared Lives ‘continues to offer a good service’.

“It is a credit to the staff and carers who ensure the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable people. I’d like to congratulate the team who should be very proud of this report.

“People have told us to offer a wide range of personal support that enables them to remain independent and active members of their communities – and this shows that we are providing services in the way people want.”