'We opened our home to stranger who is now family'

A couple with "empty nest syndrome" who opened up their home to care for a woman with special needs have said she has "become one of the family".

Three years ago, and with their own children having grown up, Mike and Kim said they looked into fostering an adult.

When they heard about Lancashire County Council's Shared Lives scheme - under which adults living with a disability move into a family home with their carer - they thought it could help "fill the void".

Since Clare moved in 18 months ago she has gone from barely going out for seven years due to her high anxiety levels, to going out every day and "filling our home with laughter", said Mike.

"It's been amazing... well worth the challenges," Kim added.

After the couple, who are now both 62, completed 12 months of training, they were matched with Clare.

Since she moved into their Lancashire home, Clare's life has changed dramatically.

Mike and Kim said she now goes for daily walks, is medication-free and is very excited to soon go on her first cruise.

Clare described her hosts as "extra special" people.

"I don't ever want to go - this is my home forever now," she explained.

"I love that they gave me a nice warm home and I feel safe."

Clare loves to give people nicknames, as she sometimes struggles to remember full names.

Kim is affectionately known as Posh, while Mike is called Smart.

She added: "Everybody I tell about Shared Lives asks 'Can we move in, is there any room?'

"There's a queue of people who want to live with Posh and Smart!"

Kim loves making healthy, home-cooked meals for Clare and has got her involved with several local groups.

Kim said: "It is well worth all the challenges."

Mike added: "It's been amazing to see the change in her."

He said Clare's health had also improved and her confidence levels had grown too.

"We have a lot of laughs - she brightens up the house," he added.

Clare said: "It's magical having Christmas here, I want it to be Christmas every day.

"I love Christmas, it's the best time of the year."

Graham Dalton, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for adult social care, said: "It's clear to see the strong bond she has with Kim and Mike, or Posh and Smart as she calls them.

"She didn't just find carers, she found her forever family, and I hope she inspires people to consider becoming part of Shared Lives, to create more families and change other people's lives."

There are different options available to carers in the scheme, from long and short-term placements to offering respite and day support with the county council assigning them a support officer.

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