A pensioner from Larne whose life had become increasingly isolated has praised a new Stormont-funded companionship scheme.
Michael Lawson was the first to be matched under the Shared Lives service, launched six months ago, with Mark Logan from Whitehead.
Delivered by Age NI and funded by the Department of Health, the Northern Ireland-wide scheme offers older people a safe, welcoming, family environment supported by carefully chosen and assessed Shared Lives carers with common interests.
“Before Shared Lives I tended to be very much trapped in the house. I was really rather isolated,” said Michael.
“If you can get two people who share interests and one is perhaps considerably younger than the other, I think it’s an excellent idea – giving people the movement and flexibility to do things that otherwise they might not be able to do.”
Mark added: “It makes me happy to share my life with Michael and it’s wonderful to see how our new friendship is making a positive impact on his life, which is really important. If anyone is thinking about becoming a Shared Lives Carer I can tell you that it is a really great idea.”
The scheme is intended to provide early intervention to support older people, helping them to stay independent for as long as possible and remain connected to their community.
Shared Lives carers will include older people who need support in their home, family and community life.
Alison Milford, Age NI’s Head of Shared Lives said it offered older people more choice in how they were supported as well as reducing loneliness and isolation.
“We are delighted that the first Shared Lives match between Michael and Mark has been such a success and made such a positive impact to both their lives. You can see that a real friendship has grown between them and that’s what makes Shared Lives so special as a service.”
Brendan Whittle, the Department of Health’s Director of Community Care, said that as well as improving quality and access of care for older people, such “incredible initiatives” also created more support for unpaid carers.
Anyone over the age of 21 is eligible to become a Shared Lives carer, with further information available at www.ageni.org/sharedlives
