A NEW scheme that allows carers to volunteer to look after vulnerable people in their own home could help Wiltshire Council save millions of pounds.

The Shared Lives programme, which won cross-party backing, was introduced by Liberal Democrat Dr Brian Mathew, the

Wiltshire councillor for Box and Colerne, after he heard about it on a Radio 4 programme.

Currently there are 23 carers operating under the scheme in the county.

Dr Mathew believes that if the council increases that to 200 with its support, the authority could save up to £860 a week per person, or £8m per year, for the care of people aged 18-64, or £460 per person a week, or £3m a year, for people over the age of 65, compared with residential care costs.

“It was a long day of dealing with the budget, so it was amazing to end the day with unanimous agreement,” Dr Mathew said.

“For some, independent living is not an option.

“Residential care may well be the right solution, but that comes at a price to our council and sometimes to the wellbeing of the resident.

“The Shared Lives programme offers an alternative solution for some older or vulnerable people, while delivering significant cost savings.

“This programme enables a person needing such care to move into a family home, effectively becoming a member of that family and this is a tried and trusted programme that has worked well for many other councils facing the same pressures.”

Under the scheme, which is being used by neighbouring councils, people with empty rooms can apply to become an accredited carer and accept up to three people.

Dr Mathew added: “To put things into perspective, in North Somerset, which has an adult population of 210,000, around half the size of Wiltshire, 100 people are served by the Shared Lives scheme.”

“Now we have a real chance to adopt this as it offers much more than just financial value.

“It delivers a better life experience, rewarding all those involved, including the carers, and significantly boosts their income.

“The scheme won’t be for everyone but there will be people out there, for example whose kids have left home, or have some spare rooms, and will want to accept those who need help to look after them like an extended family.

“Now that we have the council’s support, we need to run with it and find people who suit the bill.”