How carers are selected
Medway Shared Lives is a Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulated Shared Lives scheme.
All Shared Lives carers go through a detailed assessment process which includes getting references and completing checks including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
This is to make sure that all carers are suitable for this type of care work.
As part of their approval, they'll be assessed to make sure they meet the standards set by CQC and go to a range of training both before approval and through the course of their work.
What happens next
We carefully match people who need care and support with Shared Lives carers with the right skills and qualities to be able to provide that support.
It is important that people are matched with someone with similar interests and hobbies.
Both the person being supported and the carer will have a chance to meet and get to know each other. This will help them decide if the match is right for everyone.
The first meeting is usually for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. If that goes well then there will normally be an overnight stay or a weekend for long term placements.
This gives everyone the chance to get to know each other.