Community / Shared care scheme ‘like fostering for adults’
MORE details have been provided about a new care scheme similar to fostering for adults which has secured nearly £90,000 in funding.
Shetland Community Connections was awarded the £87,000 grant on Wednesday from the local Crown Estate Fund to undertake a feasibility study and set up a ‘Shared Lives’ care scheme.
The scheme is administered by Shetland Islands Council and due to the size of the grant it had to be approved by councillors at a meeting.
The scheme is an alternative to supported living or residential care, and it has been described like fostering for adults – except that it can be long-term, short-term or even just for one morning a week.
The scheme can support adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems or other needs that make it harder for them to live on their own.
It is based on matching people with shared interests, lifestyles and sense of humour, and the person receiving care is welcomed into the carer’s home.
Some people move in with their shared lives carer, while others are regular daytime visitors. Some combine daytime and overnight visits.
Shetland Community Connections chair Catriona Waddington said: “We are looking at implementing a scheme that can be used across all communities within Shetland and we hope this type of scheme will build on Shetland’s strengths of having kind and strong communities.
“We will shortly be recruiting a manager who can take this scheme forward for Shetland – so look out for our advert.”
Ben Hall from the charity Shared Lives Plus said: “This is brilliant news at a time when so many families are struggling. It is a real statement of trust in local people to support others.
“This new service will allow people needing some extra support the opportunity to have that provided in a loving, family setting, giving them with more choice and more control over their lives.”
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