Lancashire County Council's Shared Lives service has been recognised as 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The mark was awarded following a recent inspection, in May and June this year.

Inspectors assessed all areas of the service and found it to be efficiently run, safe, responsive and well-led with caring staff.

Shared Lives is similar to fostering, but for adults. Carers offer a home to someone who may have a physical disability, a learning disability, or an older adult who is not able to live on their own or with their family.

The idea is that people who are being supported are able to share in family and community life by living in the carer's home.

Lancashire's Shared Lives service is the largest in the country. It supports 11% of the population of adults with a learning disability in the county.

A total of 371 people were being supported in 287 households at the time of the inspection, with 227 of those receiving long-term care.

County Councillor Tony Martin, cabinet member for adult and community services, said: "I'm pleased that the Shared Lives service has been recognised as outstanding.

"The people being cared for are welcomed by the carer's family and supported on long-term placements, and for short breaks, respite care, day care and emergency care.

"Shared Lives carers do a superb job, they are friendly and have lots of enthusiasm for the people they look after.

"Inspectors found that the service was safe and well-run with staff keeping detailed records covering medication and other health issues.

"People receiving care were also very positive about the carers and the council's Shared Lives team. Many said they were made to feel like part of the family.

"The inspectors also found that the team did an excellent job of matching people with families who have similar interests.

"There is no doubt that Shared Lives provides the best type of support for many adults. Thank you to the staff and carers who've worked so hard to make Lancashire's Shared Lives an outstanding service."

To find out more about Lancashire County Council's Shared Lives scheme, call 01257 516036 or search for Shared Lives at www.lancashire.gov.uk.