“I could do this from my house!” Gaye, Carol, and Linda’s story

Prior to Shared Lives, Gaye had already worked in care for several years, “Care has always been part of me as I looked after my mum; she had a bad stroke when I was 13.” Following moving to Portsmouth in the late 70s, Gaye started working in the care industry. One day Gaye saw Shared Lives featured on the news, and it was at that point she thought “I could do this from my house!”

Carol has been supported in Shared Lives for over 30 years and has lived with Gaye for the last year and a half, and Linda has been in Shared Lives for 20 years. Carol was interested in Shared Lives because she liked the idea of living with a family, she said, “Gaye helps me with everything, I’m very happy in Shared Lives.” Linda enjoys the sociable dynamic of the household and some standout memories have been “going on a cruise ship, Butlins and coach holidays.”

Carol and Linda continue to meet up with friends with support from Gaye, who says that “Carol and Linda are part of the family” and her extended family. The three of them have lots of fun together, walking the dog, going for meals out, going on holiday, visiting the theatre, doing jigsaw puzzles together and chilling out in the garden.

Gaye, Carol, and Linda’s experience truly encompasses the essence of Shared Lives – strong relationships, family life – and lots of fantastic memories always being made!

If you’re interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer visit www.startyoursharedlife.today