After almost 20 years Shared Lives Carers Rick and Debbie Smith are set to retire.
The couple, who live in Torbay, were actually among the first carers to go through the Shared Lives South West (then SWAPS South West Adult Placement) assessment when the organisation was formed two decades ago.
In recent years, both have faced challenging health concerns and they think now is the time to enjoy the next chapter in their life and focus on making memories together.
Making the decision to retire has not been easy and they have spent the last two years deliberating and planning for Gary, who they support to move on.
They gave SLSW lengthy notice to find someone to support Gary, who has lived with them for 18 years.
Fate has played a hand, as new Shared Lives Carer Graham Bean who lives a short distance away from the Smiths, will support Gary going forward.
Gary will be able to continue with his routine of going to regular activities at Hollacombe Community Resource Centre, which he loves, and enjoy the life and community he is used to.
“I’ve written six or seven pages of notes for the carer Graham,” said Debbie in the run up to retiring.
“His relationship with Gary will be different, but I wanted to help, so I’ve noted down things like Gary’s shoe and clothes sizes to help him in the transition, as we know him so well.”

Settled

They hope to keep in touch with Gary once he has settled and feel he has become a lot more confident with their support over the years.
“He has come on leaps and bounds since he moved in with us,” said Debbie.
“When he first came he kept himself to himself as the home where he came from changed their registration to challenging behaviour. Gary is lovely, quiet, happy chappy. With any noise and aggression, he takes himself away. By being in that realm for a time, it took him a while to settle with us.
“His communication has come on so much and even now he is coming out with new words and shows us what he wants,” said Debbie.
“If you ask him what he wants, he will tell you or take your arm and take you to it. He gets his needs met by showing us things that he wants,” added Rick.
Before becoming Shared Lives Carers Debbie and Rick worked with another organisation as carers, so came to Shared Lives with a wealth of experience- Debbie with older people and Rick with people with learning disabilities.
They bought their current home and realised they had extra room so decided to become carers with Shared Lives.
“It felt a natural transition for us,” said Debbie.
“It’s easy for us and we have enjoyed working within our home with great support from Shared Lives. There has been the odd crisis in the past and you know the Shared Lives team are one call away and are understanding.”
“It doesn’t feel like work, it came naturally to us to become carers,” added Rick.
“We like the fact that the whole set up is person centred.”

Plans

Now ready to retire they are making plans and hoping to sell their home and downsize.
“We’ve seen a two bedroomed bungalow we like, we want to stay in the area,” said Debbie.
“We also love going on holiday, so will book a few holidays abroad,” stated Rick.
“I’ll have more time for fishing and golf and Debbie for pottery.
“Having Gary at home, sometimes we are tied timescale wise as had to be back for him, now we will have more time and not rush back from anywhere or worry.”
For those thinking about applying to become a Shared Lives South West Carer they have some advice.
“Go for it, enjoy it and the person you support will really become part of the family,” said Rick.
“You really do see someone blossom in your own home.”
“It’s not like working in a care home and working shift work, embrace it,” said Debbie.
Their Shared Lives Coordinator Fiona Glanvill, who has known the couple since they joined Shared Lives, said: “ It’s been such a pleasure working with Debbie and Rick and I’m going to miss them. I’m thrilled though that I shall still be able to continue to work with Gary and it will be lovely to see him as he settles with Graham. Debbie and Rick have been amazing Shared Lives Carers. They have been so calm and reliable, providing stability and good quality person-centred support for Gary. They keep me informed about any changes and they advocate for Gary to ensure that he has had a busy, happy and loving family home. That’s no mean feat for 18 years! I hope that they can adjust to thinking about themselves first for a change, after so long of always taking Gary’s needs into consideration and that they enjoy a wonderful retirement together. Thank you for all that you have done. ”

Read more Shared Lives South West news here.

Thank you for your dedication for almost 20 years!