Social care research - Shared Lives and older people

Researchers from the University of Kent are conducting a social care study which is looking at the numbers of older people who might benefit from a Shared Lives placement, and they need participants. Can you help?

What is Shared Lives?

In Shared Lives, a disabled adult or older person will move in with a carer and become an active member of their family and community life. Carers are trained and vetted and the scheme is regulated by the government's care regulator. Around 15,000 people in the Uk already benefit from the service which provides a valuable alternative for many people who have already experienced many different institutions and may be considered too "challenging" for ordinary household living.

Taking part in the research

What is involved:

• Researchers from the Personal Social Services Research Unit will contact you following an expression of interest.
• You will be sent information about Shared Lives (description, case studies, a video, early findings)
• You will be invited to answer three questions based on your knowledge and experience. (Between ten and 18 people will be emailed the same questions and responses will be shared)
• During a three week period in March you will be asked to revise your estimates twice.

Your anonymity will be kept throughout the project.

If you are interested to take part or know of potential contributors, please contact Nadia Brookes, Research Fellow. N.K.Brookes@kent.ac.uk

The study which has Social Care Research Ethics Committee approval is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

About Shared Lives Plus

Shared Lives Plus are members of the TLAP Partnership.

Alex Fox is the CEO. He regularly blogs for TLAP.