FOSTER families are needed to help look after adults in Notts.
The county council has launched a campaign to help find carers for people who are not able to live independently.
The Shared Lives scheme already finds placements for those with learning disabilities, but is being expanded to find carers for those with physical disabilities, mental health problems and older people.
Rita Beard is among those who have already signed up.
She became interested in working with disabled people after she injured her shoulder and had to give up her job in production at Boots.
As part of a Social Work course she completed a placement working with disabled people and decided to sign up to Shared Lives so she could work and spend more time at home with her two children.
"I've never really thought of it as work, I've done a lot harder things and this has always been a pleasure," said Rita, 61, of Stapleford.
"It's good to see people when they come in and perhaps they've had a sheltered life and then they come on, join clubs, get out and about, make friends and its just great.
"I think you've got to have patience and you have to put yourself in their position – I always imagine what if it was one of my own and use my own experiences."
The ultimate aim of Shared Lives is that older or disabled people gain ordinary life experience.
It is used as an alternative to residential care or as a stepping stone to living independently.
People can choose to either provide care on a long term basis, for short respite breaks or have regular visits.
All carers will receive training and ongoing support and will be paid depending on the needs of who they care for.
Anyone interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer can visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/sharedlives, email sharedlives@nottscc.gov.uk or phone 0300 500 80 80.
Tell us your experiences of the scheme. Email newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk
