Couple share 'fulfilling' experience of 'fostering for adults'

A couple who care for three vulnerable adults say their experience has been fulfilling and worthwhile.

Kathy and Steve live in Wiltshire and take part in the Shared Lives scheme, which sees adults in need of social care living in the household of their carer. There are similar schemes in place across England, often described as "fostering for adults".

Amy - who lives with the couple and is autistic and has OCD - said she felt like "part of the family".

Wiltshire Council has decided to extend the scheme and council leader Ian Thorn said it had good outcomes and was more "financially efficient" than other options.

Before taking part in the Shared Lives scheme, Kathy and Steve fostered children for decades - including Amy when she was younger.

Kathy explained there was a variety of things you could end up helping people with, depending on the level of need.

While Amy has part-time work and volunteers at more than one organisation, she needs help with things like cooking, travel and tidying.

Kathy said helping people "have faith in themselves, to progress to the next thing" is part of the couple's role too.

Steve said their wider family got involved as well, with people they care for coming on family holidays.

"I think it's a really worthwhile thing to do," Kathy added.

Amy said being with the couple made her feel "supported to live as independently as possible".

She said without Kathy and Steve her life would be like a "hoarder's house" and she would be living off ready meals.

The couple said taking part did not require a big house, just a spare room, and you can be single, in a relationship and/or have children.

Carers can receive up to £700 a week, which varies on the support needed by the individual.

"It might surprise people, but that is pretty financially efficient for us," council leader Thorn said.

He added that options for vulnerable people can be very expensive.

"What's really important about this project is the support and experience for the whole family" Thorn said.

Shared Lives Plus is a membership charity for carers and local authorities.

The charity said it helped almost 10,000 people, with those typically supported being care leavers, people with mental health issues, learning disabilities and people in need of short-term help.

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