Individual Spotlight: Alfie
How we find the perfect match
The first step
The process begins when an email enquiry or referral arrives in the Shared Lives inbox. From here, the Shared Lives Team begin to gather information about the person, including their preferences, hobbies and interests. They also look at the person’s most recent Adult Social Care Assessment (ASCA). If you know someone who may benefit from the service, email the Shared Lives Team: sharedlives@surreychoices.com
Finding the perfect match
Shared Lives have a Carer availability list and Carer Profiles available to send the person, their family and their social worker. The profiles include photos of the Carers, their families, their home and give a description of the Carers interests, hobbies and details of the local area. People can choose which Carers they might like to meet, but if they are unsure, Shared Lives can offer advice and suggestions to find a suitable match. Shared Lives also speak to the Carers about the person interested, and if both parties are interested the Shared Lives Team arrange for them to meet.
Meeting and More
Shared Lives take a person-centred approach, so it is always a priority to work around the person’s choice and do what they feel comfortable with. For some people, getting to know a Carer and feeling safe and comfortable with them might take a number of months, whereas other people might go for a tea visit and ask to move in the very next day!
Quality Counts
This year, the service won Shared Lives Carer of the Year Award for the second year in a row, recognising the quality of service our Shared Lives Scheme provides and the amazing work our Shared Lives Carers provide to support people throughout Surrey and its surrounding areas.
Become a Carer
Some of Surrey Choices Employees are also Shared Lives Carers in addition to their other roles, so if you yourself would like more information about the role, please get in touch.
There is information on the Surrey Choices Website or you can call the Surrey Choices Shared Lives Scheme on 01483 806522 or email sharedlives@surreychoices.com
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