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What is Shared Lives NI for Older People?
What is Shared Lives NI for Older People?
- Shared Lives Northern Ireland for Older People is a specialised service to provide day support for people aged 65 years and over, who may be lonely, isolated or need a little extra help.
- It is a regional service which is funded by the Department of Health and delivered by Age NI.
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How does the Shared Lives NI for Older People service work?
- Shared Lives matches a person in need of support with a Shared Lives Carer who understands their needs and has similar interests and hobbies.
- It provides early intervention and support to older people, in order to ensure they stay as independent for as long as possible and remain well connected to their communities, which in turn will help to take the pressure off our health and social care system.
- Shared Lives care is about taking support back to family homes and ordinary, everyday activities.
- It is based around Shared Lives Carers sharing their home, family and community life with an older person who needs support.
- It encourages new friendships between the older person and their Shared Lives Carer and it will give families and carers a much-needed break.
- It provides real opportunities to develop friendships and community connections, reducing loneliness and isolation.
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Who can become a Shared Lives Carer?
- Anyone over the age of 21 years can become a Shared Lives Carer.
- All you need is the right attitude and a willingness to share your life with another person.
- Please email Alison.Milford@ageni.org for more information
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Contact us about Shared Lives NI for Older People
Alison Milford, Head of Shared Lives, Age NI, 3 Lower Crescent, Belfast BT7 1NR
Tel: 07890 986 442
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The first Shared Lives match in Northern Ireland - Meet Michael and Mark
The first Shared Lives match was made between Michael Lawson and Mark Logan from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area in December 2023 and since then, both have been enjoying spending time with each other and taking part in a variety of activities together.
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Shared Lives NI - News articles
14 September 2024: Launch of Shared Lives for Older People in Northern Ireland
8 May 2024: Shared Lives service making a positive impact for older people
8 July 2024: New buddy scheme to help tackle loneliness in older people
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Shared Lives Week 2025 - Derek and Leonard
Derek and Leonard have have been matched through Shared Lives for nearly a year now, and the pair stay busy with walks in the park, trips to the shop, and endless hours chatting about Leonard’s past as a poet and their shared love of Spain.