'She left her slippers after a night of respite and now she lives with us'
A woman who stayed overnight with a couple for respite has now moved in with them under the Shared Lives scheme.
It's a unique care arrangement for adults aged 18+ with a physical or learning disability who move into the family home of their carer.
There are other options available to carers including short-term placements, respite and day support and they are supported by their own Shared Lives support officer from the County Council.
Tracy Beavan, 61, and Roger Beavan, 68, have been part of the scheme for around ten years and started by offering day support and respite to individuals, which allows their own carers to have a break.
Karen was the first person to stay with them for respite when they bought a new house in Burnley and she has since moved into their home on a long-term placement.
Tracy said:
"She asked if she could leave her slippers the first time she stayed, and then the next time she left something else to make sure she could come back for respite.
"When Karen's previous Shared Lives carers were moving out of the area she was really upset, so me and my husband asked if she could live with us long term and she's been here just over two years.
"Karen loves living with us. She cried when we told her she could live here and we've never looked back.
"I like to think myself and my husband are making a difference. It's really rewarding and I love doing it. This is one of the best jobs I've ever had, and I ever will have."
Tracy and Roger still offer respite for other individuals who are part of the Shared Lives scheme and their home is so popular that they already have four bookings for 2027.
Cllr Tom Pickup, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said:
"Shared Lives is such an important scheme as it is creating and expanding families across Lancashire and transforming lives.
"Tracy and Roger's dedication to the scheme is clear; from moving house to help more people, to Tracy taking her diary on holiday so that she doesn't miss a respite booking.
"We are incredibly grateful to carers like Tracy and Roger, whose compassion and commitment are helping people across Lancashire to live happier and more independent lives."
You can find out more about Shared Lives here: Shared Lives - Lancashire County Council