Shared Care: Training and Resources for Care Homes
Shared Care began as a conversation started by carers themselves. Through tide’s network, family carers consistently told us that they wanted to feel recognised, included, and valued as equal partners in the care of those living in care homes. Many described gaps in communication, in involvement, and in understanding, that affected their ability to remain connected to the person they loved.
In response, tide carried out a national questionnaire and produced the report Making Shared Care a Reality, which captured the experiences of carers across the country. The report highlighted 14 key recommendations for improving Shared Care in care homes. One of the strongest and clearest messages was the need for training and practical tools for care staff to help embed Shared Care into everyday practice.
Developing the Shared Care Training Resource
To meet this need, tide worked collaboratively current and former carers and with six care home pilot sites to co-develop the Shared Care Training Resource for Care Staff. This resource reflects not only carer insight but also the real-world experiences, challenges, and priorities of care home teams. It is grounded in partnership, practicality, and the belief that small, thoughtful changes can create meaningful improvements in the lives of residents and their families.
These materials are intended to be used together as a unified resource that opens up conversations, reveals assumptions, and encourages teams to reflect on how Shared Care can be strengthened within their home. They are not prescriptive manuals. Rather they are tools that spark discussion, deepen understanding, and support care homes to take practical, context-specific action.
Your Making Shared Care a Reality for Care Home Staff Resource
The presentation and the supporting booklet are intended to be used together as a unified resource that opens up conversations, reveals assumptions, and encourages teams to reflect on how Shared Care can be strengthened within their home. They are not prescriptive manuals. Rather they are tools that spark discussion, deepen understanding, and support care homes to take practical, context-specific action.
DOWNLOAD THE TRAINING RESOURCES HERE
A PowerPoint training presentation:
A Supportive Workbook designed to accompany the training:
Learning Outcomes
- Explain what Shared Care means and why it matters.
- Identify the role of carers in dementia care and the value of their lived experience.
- Recognise communication challenges and apply strategies to improve information sharing.
- Describe barriers to carer involvement and ways to overcome them.
- Take practical steps to embed Shared Care within daily routines.
Looking Ahead
As part of tide’s continued commitment to Shared Care, a complementary resource for carers will be developed and made available in early Spring 2026. This will support families to understand what Shared Care can look like in practice and how they can work in partnership with care staff to achieve it.
Your Feedback Please!
We would really value your feedback on the Shared Care Training Resource. Your experiences, reflections, and suggestions will help us strengthen and refine the materials so they stay relevant, practical, and effective for care homes. Please take a few minutes to complete the short feedback form below — your input will directly shape future improvements and support our ongoing commitment to making Shared Care a meaningful part of everyday practice.