Could Homeshare help you live better in your own home?

It’s a model of living that has been in existence for over 30 years but is currently gaining in popularity due to the very real benefits for those taking part.

Homeshare works by matching a person with a spare room with someone in need of accommodation. The homeowner provides a spare room and, in return, the homesharer provides companionship, practical support, and up to 10 hours of household help per week. This can include tasks such as shopping, cooking, cleaning, or gardening. Both participants pay a small monthly fee to the Homeshare provider who makes the initial match, does all relevant safety checks and provides ongoing support whenever it is needed during the arrangement.

Locally based Homeshare UK networks of providers have successfully matched thousands of people across the country, and Homeshare services are currently expanding to reach even more communities in need. The following video shows just one example

Benefits of Homeshare

Homeshare provides practical benefits to participants, including:

• Sharing costs of bills
• Increased safety
• Companionship
• Peace of mind

Living together there is the possibility of sharing household bills. It also increases safety, as older people living alone are more vulnerable to falls and accidents, whereas with Homeshare, there’s someone on hand to help in case of an emergency, reducing the risk of injury.

Most importantly Homeshare provides companionship and support to both people who take part. This can be particularly beneficial for older homeowners who may be at risk of loneliness or social isolation. Homeshare provides peace of mind for homeowners who live alone, as having someone else in the house can offer an added layer of security, as well as peace of mind for family members who know that their loved one is living in a safe and supportive environment with someone to keep an eye on their well-being. Homeshare does not provide personal care, but it can sit alongside a care package, enabling some older people to continue living in their homes for longer than may otherwise be possible. 

Homesharing is also an environmentally friendly solution to the housing crisis, as it makes better use of existing housing stock and reduces the need for new developments.

Real Homeshare stories

Homesharers are carefully matched based on needs, interests and values, meaning they often form strong friendships. Here are two real Homeshare stories. 

Sybil and Amanda – matched by Homeshare Oxfordshire

Sybil, a retired manager of a large hospitality workforce, and Amanda, a retired nurse and writer, share a home in Oxfordshire. The two women hit it off immediately, bonding over their similar outlook on life and sense of humour. They both share a love of reading and have developed a strong friendship as a result.

Homeshare has had a significant impact on Sybil’s life, making it easier and more enjoyable. Amanda was also interested in the program, as it offered her the flexibility to focus on her writing while providing companionship and support to someone else. The location of the home was also a plus for Amanda.

Cooking for each other has been a highlight, with Sybil and Amanda trying out different recipes together. Amanda values the companionship and learning from Sybil, while Sybil appreciates the extra support and the reassurance that her family no longer worries about her.

Amanda says she enjoys good conversation as much as quiet companionship and is able to learn plenty from both. She and Sybil now know each other well and Amanda recognises Sybil’s determination and what she needs help with but says: “The rest of the time I am either out or more likely upstairs writing my third book – which is going well.” 

Homeshare has made a big difference for Sybil’s family, too. Her daughter explains, “Even though I talk to mum regularly, I worry about her much less now that I know Amanda is there.”  

Lee and Graham – matched by Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent

Graham’s family were looking for some extra support for their father after he was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia aged 69.  They wanted someone who would be around to remind Graham to take his medication and attend his lunch club. They also wanted Graham to have company and feeling of security, especially at night.

Lee was living in a bedsit and was looking for more comfortable and affordable accommodation.  He had volunteered at a lunch club for older people before the pandemic and felt that a Homeshare would allow him to continue to support the older generation and at the same time help him find a new home.  Lee works in the entertainment industry and can fit his work around the 10 hours per week of support. Lee said, “I have shared with a lot of people before I met Graham.  I think Graham is the easiest person I have lived with.”  

Lee has found additional groups for Graham to attend, including a Dementia Support Group at the local library and a Walking Football Group.  Lee has also taken Graham to play table tennis with a group of his friends and in the summer, they enjoyed going to the pub.

Graham’s family are happy with the Homeshare because it gives them peace of mind that Lee is around to support their father. Graham said, “Having someone else in the house at night helps me feel safe.  Especially making sure the doors are locked before I go to bed.”