Do you know someone who needs a little bit of support and would benefit from Homeshare?
Homeshare allows older and vulnerable people to stay in their homes (householder) by matching them with people who are looking for somewhere to live (homesharer). In return for accommodation, the homesharer will give the householder a minimum of 10 hours of support per week. Support activities could include tasks like cooking, cleaning, shopping, gardening or walking the dog.
Some of the benefits of Homeshare include:
- your family member able to live in their home for longer
- your family member will get some support and can live more independently
- peace of mind knowing your family member is not living alone
- you can spend more quality time with your family member
How it works
Homeshare is a great way for your family member to keep their independence. And you’ll have peace of mind knowing they are not alone and have companionship and help when they need it.
A Homeshare organisation will carefully match your family member with a suitable, compatible homesharer.
After conducting background (DBS) and reference checks on the homesharer, the organisation will invite you and your family member or friend to interview the homesharer.
If you’re all happy with the match, together you’ll agree the 10 hours of help your family member will receive. This will form the Homeshare agreement between your family member and the homesharer.
The homesharer will move into your family member’s home, giving them the support and companionship.
The Homeshare organisation will monitor and support the Homeshare arrangement. There is usually a monthly administration cost to cover the cost of this service which varies accross organisations. Homeshare arrangements usually last for 12 months but can last longer depending on circumstances.
How to apply
You can find out where Homeshare schemes are operating in the UK and Ireland on our Find a Homeshare provider page. You can also call the Homeshare UK team on 0151 227 3499.
Homeshare is not suitable if your family member needs personal or nursing care.