Five reasons Ategi has the perfect job for you
Are you looking for a job that is flexible and rewarding? Where you can make a real difference whilst working from home?
Ategi wants to tell you about social care’s best-kept secret, Shared Lives.
Shared Lives is a care and support service which is for adults with support needs aged 18+ who want to live independently in their community, with the support of a family and community network. It’s an alternative to supported living or residential care.
Over 10,000 Shared Lives carers use their own home and family life to share it with someone who needs support around the UK. Working at home, you can earn between £350 – £650+ a week with tax relief, training, regular breaks and a UK support network. And you get to see the amazing difference in someone’s life – it’s the ultimate ‘work from home’ job!
Shared Lives care is based on shared interests, lifestyles and a sense of humour. It’s a bit like fostering – but for adults. It feels like an ordinary life for someone who needs support – and doesn’t feel like a ‘job’ for you!
Below are five reasons why you should become a Shared Lives carer:
1. Make a positive impact
As a Shared Lives carer, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on someone's life by providing them with a supportive, caring and safe environment. You will be able to improve the quality of life of adults with additional needs, helping them to live as independently as possible, and giving them the opportunity to form meaningful relationships, achieve their goals and supporting them to live their best life, their way.
2. Flexible working
Becoming a Shared Lives carer allows you to work from home and offers a high degree of flexibility. This is because you will be providing care and support to someone in your own home. You can choose to work part-time or full-time and tailor the support you provide to the needs of the person you are caring for. You could simply offer support in the day as a Shared Days carer, this could be in your home or on a day out; you could be a Short Breaks carer, and offer valuable respite to other carers by supporting people overnight or for a few days; you could even have someone move in with you – it’s flexible to you and your life and commitments!
3. Financial rewards
Becoming a Shared Lives carer can be financially rewarding, as you will receive a tax-free allowance for each person you care for. The amount you receive will depend on the level of support required, but it can be a significant source of income.
4. Training & support
Shared Lives schemes offer a comprehensive training and support package to all Shared Lives carers. You will receive training on a range of topics, including communication, safeguarding, and managing challenging behaviour. You will also have access to ongoing support from your scheme, including regular supervision and guidance.
5. Personal development
Becoming a Shared Lives carer can be an enriching experience that offers personal growth and development. You will be able to develop new skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and empathy, which can be valuable in both your personal and professional life. You will also have the opportunity to learn about different cultures and experiences and to form meaningful relationships with the people you care for.
Ategi carefully matches the person that needs support with one of its specially trained Shared Lives carers. As a Shared Lives carer, you would share your home and family with them, helping the adult you support to develop their skills, work towards their goals and support them to be more independent. Supporting them to live their best life, their way. As a Shared Lives carer, you get to work from home and enjoy a career that truly makes a difference.
Find about more about becoming a Shared Lives carer here
![Ategi carefully matches you with someone who shares your interests. Here’s Charles at a rugby match with his Shared Lives carer, Allan](/media/umshv0fi/youve-got-what-it-takes.png)
Ategi carefully matches you with someone who shares your interests. Here’s Charles at a rugby match with his Shared Lives carer, Allan
![You can support someone learn independent living skills. Wendy is being supported to cook with her Shared Lives carer, Grazelda](/media/4ijjxzli/southglos_sl_grazelda-and-wendy_2022_2400d.jpg)
You can support someone learn independent living skills. Wendy is being supported to cook with her Shared Lives carer, Grazelda
![Martin and Liz are Short breaks carers alongside being full time carers for their son, Stephen](/media/4vyhxn52/martin-and-liz_2400b.jpg)
Martin and Liz are Short breaks carers alongside being full time carers for their son, Stephen
Find out more about Martin and Liz and their journey to becoming a Shared Lives carer.
About the author
Ategi comms
This post was written by the Ategi comms team.