Date published: November 2, 2022
Shared Lives scheme speaks in Westminster about support for people experiencing dementia
One of our Shared Lives scheme members, Better Together, in Newham, Thurrock and Havering, is speaking at a panel discussion for the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on dementia today, responding to our invite from the Alzheimer’s Society. The APPG is a cross party group made up of MPs and Peers who aim to influence legislation and policy making to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers.
Sarah Havard, Executive Director for Newham, Thurrock and Havering Shared Lives schemes, is speaking at the discussion, with the hopes of outlining the role Shared Lives can play in supporting those with dementia across the UK.
Also on the panel are James White, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns, Alzheimer’s Society, Baroness Browning, Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Trevor Salomon, whose wife Yvonne lives with dementia in a residential care home.
This follows our contribution to the initial Inquiry earlier in the year, where Claire Morphet, scheme manager at PossAbilities spoke about the scheme’s support to people like Lyn and her father Harold and the refreshing difference Shared Lives made to their lives.
How can Shared Lives support people experiencing dementia?
“People suffering from dementia experience increased independence, wellbeing and personal choice, and are less likely to experience isolation and confusion when they have got to know their Shared Lives carer and maintain existing relationships and connections in the community, ”Sarah told the panel.
“While creating better outcomes for those receiving care, Shared Lives can also provide vital support to those of us caring for people with dementia. It’s easy for family carers to become burnt out quickly if they receive no support, or it is put in place too late.
“Dementia affects older people, so often, the partner-carer is older, and the likelihood of burnout is greater. Or if adult children need to look after their parent, they can become socially isolated, perhaps have to give up their job and reach burnout too.
“But if they have day support from Shared Lives, it gives them a break, so they can see their peers and take care of their own lives with the peace of mind that the Shared Lives carer is responsible.”
Changes we need to see so Shared Lives can support more people with dementia
When it comes to expanding Shared Lives for people with dementia, we are confronted with many of the same barriers faced by Shared Lives more generally, including increasing public awareness and improving the referral process, as well as the obvious barrier: lack of investment.
“We need investment in local services to help more people experience the transformative support of Shared Lives carers. This means investment in recruiting Shared Lives carers and the workers needed to support them.”
Our latest State of Sector report in England shows that Shared Lives schemes in England are currently supporting 266 people living with dementia. We hope that this number can continue to grow, helping those with dementia and those caring for them, live more fulfilling lives with people they choose and know, and in places they are familiar with.
Find out more from Jeanne whose husband had dementia and was supported by Stella, Shared Lives carer with Shared Lives scheme Gloucestershire Inclusion, in this film:
