What is it like to be a carer in the "shared lives" scheme?

The opportunity of sharing your home and family life with adults who need support and assistance has been embraced by the Keane family.

In fact, for over a decade Bridget Keane has been involved in Harrow's Shared Lives Scheme - a scheme that places vulnerable adults with suitable carers in the borough.

Service users often live with their 'carer' on a full-time basis and enjoy all of the support and one-on-one attention that brings.

"Shared Lives basically means sharing your home with people who need support. I have been doing it for over ten years now and it is a very rewarding experience. They match the service user with the right carer and vice versa," Bridget described.

Bridget shares her home with three ladies with learning disabilities ranging in age from 48 to 77 years. Although it makes for a busy household she enjoys the interaction and rewards it brings.

"I love watching the dynamics of them all together. I like knowing that they are all happy and that they are enjoying a good quality of life, just like everyone else. It can be demanding and I need to arrange respite care for each of them when I need time off or holidays. I worked as a nurse for many years, and caring in this way means I can work from home while being paid for a job I find rewarding.

"My day starts at 7am when everyone starts to get up and ready for the day. I have time to myself during the day as all three of the women go to daycare centres, then in the evening and at weekends we spend time together and do things as a group."