'I knew they were extra special and this is my forever home'
When "Clare" first met Kim and Mike through the council's Shared Lives scheme, she was anxious as she had barely left the house in years.
But with support from the Shared Lives carers, her life has completely transformed. She now goes for daily walks, is medication-free and excited to go on her first cruise.
Adults aged 18+ who may be living with a physical or learning disability can use Shared Lives and individuals move into a family home with their carer.
There are different options available to carers which includes long term placements, short term placements, respite and day support. They are also supported by their own Shared Lives support officer from the County Council.
When Clare was matched with Kim and Mike she knew that she was in the perfect place.
Clare said:
"I knew they were extra special. I don't ever want to go, this is my home forever now. I love that they gave me a nice warm home and I feel safe."
Clare loves to give people nicknames, as she sometimes struggles to remember names, so Kim is affectionately known as Posh, while Mike is Smart.
Clare added:
"Everybody I tell about Shared Lives asks, 'can we move in, is there any room?'
"There's a queue of people who want to live with Posh and Smart!"
Kim and Mike enquired about Shared Lives after moving to Lancashire three years ago.
Mike said:
"When we moved, we wondered what our next purpose would be. We didn't know anybody, but she has helped us to integrate, and we know so many people now."
Kim loves making healthy, home-cooked meals for Clare and has got her involved with several local groups.
Kim said:
"The best bit has been changing someone's life and giving them a safe place to live. She wanted to change as well, so that was half the battle as some people don’t want to change, but she really did. Her health has improved and I know she really appreciates our support."
The trio are now looking forward to spending another Christmas together and welcomed us into their home as they decorated their tree and put out decorations on the fireplace, which have been in the family for decades.
Clare said:
"It's magical having Christmas here, I want it to be Christmas every day. I love Christmas, it's the best time of the year. We saw Santa yesterday and it was magical. He said I'm on the good list."
County Councillor Graham Dalton, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said:
"Clare's life has been completely transformed and it's clear to see the strong bond she has with Kim and Mike, or Posh and Smart, as she calls them.
"She didn’t just find carers, she found her forever family, and I hope she inspires people to consider becoming part of Shared Lives, to create more families and change other people's lives."
You can find out more about Shared Lives here: Shared Lives - Lancashire County Council