How to become a Shared Lives carer

To qualify as a Shared Lives carer, you need to:

• be a Croydon resident with one or more spare bedrooms can become a carer - we accept single people, couples and families with children
• have experience in the care sector
• be enthusiastic, committed, caring and sensitive to the needs and emotions of others
• have at least one other person to support you as an additional carer - this can be a relative, friend or someone who lives with you

We are looking for a diverse range of people to reflect our diverse borough.

What your accommodation needs to provide

Your house can be a rental property or one you own.

You must have one or more spare bedrooms on the ground or first floor.

The room you provide will need to be furnished with at least:

• a single bed
• a wardrobe
• a chest of drawers
• a bedside table
• an easy chair

If you own a rental property

You'll need to get permission to take part in the scheme from your Property Management Agency, if you are renting

After you have got approval, you'll need to provide evidence to show you're renting the property with your Shared Lives application.

Getting additional support as the main carer

As the main carer, you will need the support of additional carers to help provide a consistent, quality service and care to the individual you're caring for.

The number of additional carers will be discussed with you and will depend on:

• your circumstances
• the number of places you're offering

You will need additional support if you will be providing:

• personal care, such as washing and dressing
• providing additional emotional support
• helping the person to manage their money
• accompanying the person to extra medical and other appointments