HOME SHARINGCARING IN YOUR OWN HOME

St Michael’s House Home Sharing initiative empowers children and adults with a disability to have dignified relationships and to be meaningfully included in their communities whilst enjoying a supported short break.

Caring for a child or adult with a learning disability can be demanding and stressful at times. When carers get a break they can take time for themselves to relax, spend time with other members of the family. Home Sharing is an innovative scheme developed by SMH whereby people in the community are recruited, assessed, trained and supported to provide short breaks in their homes, for a person with a disability.

There are three different types of Home Sharing supports available to families:

• Home Sharing “Short Breaks” whereby families provide short breaks (e.g.) day care breaks, short overnight breaks or breaks over holiday periods

• Home Sharing “Contract Families” whereby families with significant experience in supporting people with complex needs provide short breaks

• Home Sharing “Shared Living” provides full-time care to a child or adult with a disability, similar to a fostering placement.

St Michael’s House have a dedicated Home Sharing team who provide full training, 24/7 support and a generous allowance paid for every visit.