Supporting people to live well: A multimethod study of Shared Lives (adult placement)

Abstract

Background

Shared Lives (adult placement) is a model of community-based support where an adult who needs support and/or accommodation moves into or regularly visits the home of an approved Shared Lives carer. It is an established but small-scale service used mainly by adults with learning disabilities. However, little research has been conducted about whether and in what ways this model can support people to live well.

Method

This article presents findings from outcome measures focused on well-being for a sample of 39 people supported by Shared Lives in England. Fifteen semistructured interviews were also conducted by peer/coresearchers to supplement the quantitative data. Data collection took place between June 2017 and September 2018.

Findings

Findings indicated that people using Shared Lives generally had good outcomes across all of the measures. All of those interviewed identified areas of their life where Shared Lives had made a positive difference, particularly with relationships and activities.

Conclusions

Limitations to the research mean that more work is needed to fully understand the role Shared Lives plays in supporting people to live well and in comparison to other forms of community support.