Why Health and Social Care professionals should consider becoming a Shared Lives carer

If you work, or worked, in health and social care — whether as a nurse, support worker, foster carer, or within a SEND school — you already have the skills, compassion, and experience to make a real difference. But what if you could use those talents in a completely different way? What if you could offer meaningful, person-centred support outside of the traditional workplace — with flexibility, purpose, and the potential for extra income?

Enter: Shared Lives care.

What is a Shared Lives carer?

Shared Lives is a unique form of adult social care that goes beyond traditional models. Instead of providing care in a residential setting or through scheduled visits, Shared Lives carers welcome adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs, or other support requirements into their own homes. The goal is simple yet powerful: to create a sense of belonging, build life skills, and foster independence — all within a family environment.

It’s not about formal routines or shift patterns. It’s about connection, shared experiences, and making a lasting impact.

Perfect for Foster Carers, Nurses, Support Workers & SEND Practitioners

If you’ve worked in nursing, social care, fostering, or education — particularly in SEND settings — you’re no stranger to empathy, adaptability, and individualised support. You understand how important it is to see the person behind the need. That’s exactly what Shared Lives is all about.

Whether you're looking for a change from your current role, want to reduce your hours in a high-pressure job, are winding down from fostering, or are interested in supplementing your income while continuing your current work — or even exploring a new challenge during retirement — Shared Lives offers a flexible alternative that uses your existing skills in a more personal, fulfilling way.

Flexible to Fit Your Life

One of the biggest advantages of becoming a Shared Lives carer is the flexibility it offers:

• Full-time replacement: If you’re ready for a career change, Shared Lives can become your primary role — offering variety, autonomy, and the chance to truly shape someone’s life.
• Part-time or short breaks: Maybe you still love your job but want a break or a new challenge. Shared Lives can fit around your schedule. You might offer support during weekends, evenings, or school holidays — known as “short breaks” or “shared days”.
• Long-term placements: Some carers develop long-term relationships with the people they support, creating a home together and sharing daily life.

No matter which option you choose, you’ll be supported every step of the way by a local Shared Lives scheme.

It All Starts with the Right Match

At the heart of Shared Lives is a thoughtful and personal matching process. Individuals with support needs are carefully matched with carers based on shared interests, personality, lifestyle, and the level of support the carer can offer.

Whether it’s a mutual love of sports, a passion for music, a shared faith, or simply a compatible sense of humour — these connections lay the foundation for meaningful relationships. When the match is right, it creates the conditions for trust, growth, and a genuine sense of belonging — for both the carer and the person they support.

Earn While Making a Difference

As a Shared Lives carer, you’ll receive a weekly payment of up to around £650, depending on the type and length of placement. This is not just compensation — it's recognition of the valuable, skilled work you do. Unlike many roles in the care sector, Shared Lives allows you to earn well while working flexibly, without compromising on the quality of support you provide.

You’re not an employee in the traditional sense — you’re a self-employed carer, supported by a local authority and a Shared Lives provider like Ategi. This means you can tailor your involvement to suit your lifestyle and financial goals.

Real People, Real Stories

Meet Kim and Gary, Shared Lives carers in Central Bedfordshire. After the tragic loss of their son, they turned to fostering as a way to heal — and it was during this time they welcomed Josh into their home.

As Josh became an adult, Kim and Gary discovered Shared Lives and immediately felt connected to its ethos. Moving from fostering to Shared Lives was a natural next step. Today, they continue to support Josh as an adult, living together in a household built on love, respect, and meaningful connection.

Kim, Gary and Josh

How to Get Started

Becoming a Shared Lives carer involves a thorough but supportive assessment process. You’ll receive full training, safeguarding checks, and ongoing support from your local Shared Lives scheme. Whether you live in a city flat or a rural bungalow, there’s likely a placement model that fits your space and lifestyle.

Ready for a Different Kind of Care?

If you’re passionate about person-centred support and value flexibility, Shared Lives could be the next chapter in your care journey. Whether you’re looking for a complete career shift or a meaningful side role, this opportunity lets you use your skills in a deeply human, rewarding way.

Find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer today: Becoming a Shared Lives carer