Shared Lives

Market Context

Shared Lives is a type of statutory care and support defined by the Care Quality Commission where an individual or family is paid to include a disabled or older person in their family and community life. In most cases the person lives with the Shared Lives Carer and their family on a long-term basis, although Shared Lives Carers can also support people living in their own homes through day support at the Shared Lives Carers home, provide respite care and short breaks for an unpaid family Carer(s) or act as a “stepping stone” for someone who wants to live independently.

One of the key differences between Shared Lives and other types of care and support is that it is the Shared Lives Scheme that provides the regulated activity of Personal Care and is regulated by CQC under the Health and Social Care Act (2008), not individual Shared Lives Carers, who are self-employed and not employed by the Scheme. It is an alternative to supported living or residential care, provided at a much lower cost and with considerably better outcomes for individuals.

Somerset has had a Shared Lives scheme for many years, which was managed in-house prior to being externalised in 2019.

The Somerset scheme was originally established with a focus on adults with learning disabilities, and this remains its core business.

Market Rating

Market Quality: Good

Market Supply: Increase supply

Demand: Stable

Commissioner ambitions: To increase both the number of people and the range of care and support needs supported

Market workforce: Moderate

Market maturity: Mature

Current market status

A new contract for the Somerset Shared Lives Scheme was procured during 2024/25 and commenced in October 2024. This contract is for 5 years, with the option to extend for a further 2 years, and we will publish our future intentions via our Pipeline Notice in due course.

The Somerset Scheme is currently provided by Shared Lives South West.

Market Data

All data is as at 04/03/2025

Distance from desired commissioning objectives

Shared Lives is a service type that we wish to continue to grow our use of in the future. Like many schemes nationally the Somerset Shared Lives scheme experienced a reduction in activity during the coronavirus pandemic and it is our intention to grow the Somerset scheme both in terms of volume and to support more people who do not have a learning disability.

Market Risks

• The scheme needs to recruit additional carers in order to grow capacity, against a backdrop of a challenging recruitment market, particularly in areas where national infrastructure projects are taking place, across the social care sector.
• Nationally there was a reduction in the number of people withing to be Shared Lives carers during the coronavirus pandemic and we are yet to see this rebound in Somerset.

Current areas of focus for commissioners

• Growing the Somerset scheme both in terms of volume, and to support more people who do not have a learning disability.