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Bedfordian Emma Bradley and her husband Phil have embraced a unique and profoundly impactful form of caregiving known as "Shared Lives." This initiative involves opening their home and hearts to adults with learning disabilities, making these individuals an integral part of their family. The Bradleys have shared their experiences and insights on what it truly means to be Shared Lives carers.
A Journey into Shared Lives
Emma Bradley's initiation into the world of Shared Lives was serendipitous. "I had never heard of Shared Lives until I came across it when working for the Council," she recalls. A role as a Shared Lives Officer soon opened up, and Emma eagerly applied and was appointed. In this role, she visited different placements, engaging with families who had warmly integrated adults with learning disabilities into their homes.
"I was visiting these lovely people who welcomed others into their families and homes," Emma said. "They made these adults part of their own families, and it made me realise – I could do it too."
Supportive Services Offered by Shared Lives Bedford
The Shared Lives Bedford service provides three main types of support:
Short Breaks
This service offers a supportive and enjoyable stay within a safe home environment. It works best when the person stays with a Shared Lives carer regularly, allowing them to build relationships and become familiar with the carer's family. Short breaks can range from an overnight stay to a few weeks away, akin to a holiday. These breaks enable service-users to make new friends, try new experiences, learn new skills, and become more independent.
Long-term Placements
For those seeking more permanent arrangements, long-term placements allow adults with learning disabilities to live with Shared Lives carers and/or their families on a continuous basis. This provides a viable alternative to supported living or residential homes, often fostering deeper bonds and a greater sense of belonging.
Short Sessions
Short sessions offer an opportunity for service users to engage in activities different from their usual daycare routines. This could include outings to the cinema, pub, or local sporting events, learning a new skill, getting help with appointments, or enjoying recreational activities like swimming or going to the gym. The key is that both the service user and carer feel safe and enjoy the activity.
Creating a Home Away from Home
Emma and Phil currently welcome six individuals into their family, some on a monthly basis and others more sporadically, coordinated with the service users' parents and carers. Explaining what their stays entail, Emma said, "A lot of it is just normal day-to-day life, being at home, playing games like cards or Uno or chess, watching films, or going out on the river."
She emphasises that the essence of their caregiving philosophy is simplicity and inclusion. "It’s not about planning big activities; it’s about making them part of our lives. It’s a break for them, and it’s a break for their families too."
Conclusion
The Shared Lives program exemplifies how community and familial support can significantly enhance the lives of adults with learning disabilities. By offering short breaks, long-term placements, and short sessions, Shared Lives Bedford not only provides essential respite for families but also enriches the lives of service users through genuine human connection and care.
To learn more about Shared Lives and possibly become a carer, visit the Bedford Borough Council's website.
