A couple from Louth who provide Respite in their home to adults with disabilities, dementia or enduring mental illness are calling on others to do the same. Paul and Wendy Warne have been Shared Lives Providers (carers) with Adults Supporting Adults (ASA) since 2011 and state “the role is so rewarding, as you are giving something back to society.”
Shared Lives is a unique form of care, whereby a person who needs support is carefully matched to live within a safe and secure family setting either on an Extended Stay (long term) or Respite basis. Through the family environment, the person is then supported to develop the necessary skills to become more independent and build their own networks in the local neighbourhood and community. This enables the person accessing the service to live better, healthier and lead a less isolated life.
Wendy first heard about Adults Supporting Adults when she was working as a support worker at a former respite unit in the town. Several people already working as Providers for ASA also gave Wendy positive feedback about Shared Lives. After giving it a lot of thought, Wendy decided to speak to her husband Paul about applying to become Respite Providers. Although Paul had no social care experience, he trusted Wendy’s instinct and agreed to support an application. Paul and Wendy say the assessment process was very thorough and once the relevant checks were completed, they were approved by an Independent Panel to provide respite in their own home.
As well as their work with ASA, both Wendy and Paul have other responsibilities and are committed to their wider community. Paul has a printing business and runs a travel/long haul taxi business. Wendy supports Paul with his printing business and undertakes dog sitting and after school child care for her Grandchild. Since joining ASA, the couple have provided Respite for 12 clients, who all have their own individual support needs for which Paul and Wendy are paid accordingly. Last year alone, they provided over 170 nights of respite.
Wendy said “I like to have only one client at a time, so I can give my full undivided attention. We offer arts, crafts and baking as well as going to the disco, cinema, drama group and meeting up with friends for coffee or lunch. Recently, one of the client’s made a fruit cake for “The Garden Society” flower and vegetable show and won first prize. When I see the clients happy, it makes me happy. ASA encourage us to use our own initiative but we still have to work within an identified Care Plan.”
The couple say they take real pleasure from seeing the difference they make to the clients and families they support. Wendy and Paul both go on to add “If you feel you could offer support to a client on long term basis or for respite, so as to give families a break from their caring role, don’t hesitate to contact ASA and discuss this further. If you get as much from it as we do, then it will be the best thing you ever do.”
Operations Manager Dean Barnshaw, notes that ‘Adults Supporting Adults have been providing Shared Lives across Lincolnshire for 25 years and at present we support nearly 80 clients both in Extended Stay and Respite Arrangements. Given the cuts to the Adult Social Care budget, the tailored support provided within Shared Lives proves it is a viable alternative to residential, nursing and hospital care. Across the Country, Shared Lives is expanding considerably and there are approximately 10,000 people now living or accessing such arrangements. If you wish to find out more, then please call us on 01529 416270 or visit our website at: www.asaorg.co.uk. We are particularly interested to hear from people who have ground floor accommodation and who could provide support to people with limited mobility.
