Tameside shared lives supports resident with dementia to live life to the fullest

Denton resident Margaret Tovey lives with vascular dementia and is supported by Shared Lives, so she can continue getting out into her community and do the things she loves.

Shared Lives supports people to carry on doing the things that matter to them. The scheme matches people with a carer who has the same passions, interests and hobbies.

Margaret and her husband John Tovey from Denton are sharing their story alongside Ausra, their Shared Lives Carer, to encourage others to consider this becoming a carer. 

John realised they needed support after a diagnosis of vascular dementia. John said: ‘’We had no idea what help was out there, we were lost. But we got in touch with Tameside Council and they told us about Shared Lives. It’s the best thing that we’ve ever done.’’

Margaret was matched with Ausra Meskauskiene, who has now been supporting her since December 2025. The match is part of Live More, a pilot programme in partnership with Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership. This pilot explores how the scheme can support people living with dementia to stay active, well, and connected.

Ausra said: ‘’I love making a positive difference to people’s lives. Kindness, listening and sharing time together makes someone feel safe, supported and valued. I’m glad when I see someone smile and appreciate the simple joys.’’

Margaret added: ‘’I look forward to Monday every week, those three hours with Ausra make such a difference.’’

Both are busy members of their community attending Friends of Victoria Park, they love going to the theatre and both are active members of their local church. The aim of the scheme is for both the person supported and their families to live well.

During their time together Margaret and Ausra like to go clothes shopping, go out for walks and stop for a coffee and chat.

John said: ‘’It’s really making life that little bit easier; I get a few hours to myself and so does Maragret. Plus, they both enjoy clothes shopping and chatting!’’

Ausra has been a Shared Lives Carer since 2024 and said: ‘’Margaret is a chatty lady, and we love to get out and about, we’ve really developed a friendship.’’

She added: ‘’I’d encourage others to learn more about becoming a Shared Lives Carer, it’s a meaningful and rewarding role. It gives my life a deeper sense of meaning and makes me a better person.''

John has also connected with Tameside Carers Centre to support him. Wellbeing Advisors make sure he’s aware and accessing all the support available and help with filling in forms. 

Strategic Director of Adult Social Care and Health, Joe Kelly said: ‘’This is such an important pilot that we are part of, it shows how support from Shared Lives really benefits people living with Dementia. Matches are crucially guided and built around the person and the things that they like to do.

‘’It’s great to hear that both Margaret and John are feeling a positive impact from having Ausra in their lives. A huge thank you to them all for sharing their story.’’

Find out more about Shared Lives in Tameside and about how to become a Shared Lives Carer at www.tameside.gov.uk/sharedlives

Find out more about care and support for adults over 18 in Tameside at www.tameside.gov.uk/adults

Find out more about Live More, a programme led by Shared Lives Plus exploring the potential of day support for people living with dementia and their families at https://sharedlivesplus.org.uk/our-work/shared-lives-programmes/live-more-growing-shared-lives-for-people-living-with-dementia-and-their-families/