Homeshare: companionship for elderly at home
What is homesharing?
Homeshare schemes provide low-cost practical live-in help, companionship and support to elderly people who wish to remain independent and living in their own home for as long as possible. Homeshare also helps avoid the loneliness that an ever-increasing number of elderly people are having to endure.
How does homesharing work?
Homeshare is based on the idea of exchange. The elderly person offers a spare bedroom to their Sharer. In return, the Sharer gives around 10 hours of practical support each week, plus the natural companionship which comes from living with someone. There is a lot of pleasure to be gained from sharing a meal, having a chat or playing a game. The practical help usually includes cooking, light cleaning, shopping and other household tasks. The Sharer agrees to sleep in the house for at least five nights each week and spends at least four evenings each week in the older person’s home.
Benefits of Homeshare for Older People and Sharers
Homeshare supports not only the elderly person, but their Sharer also benefits from affordable accommodation. In addition, Homeshare schemes are enormously beneficial to the elderly person’s family, giving them peace of mind to know that someone is on hand in case of an emergency, who can alert the family about any concerns. They also have the reassurance of knowing their elderly relative is eating a healthy, balanced, home-cooked diet. Equally, the elderly person has the reassurance of knowing that someone is coming home most evenings, who can help with any practical tasks they might struggle with, which can help to avoid unnecessary accidents and possible falls.
What kind of people become Homesharers?
The homeshare scheme works because the elderly person and their Sharer are matched carefully on both a practical basis and on a personal level. The Agency seeks to explore common interests, so that genuine friendships can develop. Homesharers come from all walks of life and backgrounds. Agencies look for Sharers who are kind, caring, helpful and enjoy the company of older people. Some homesharers are mature PhD students; others work in a wide range of careers, including physiotherapy, the arts, horticulture and broadcasting. This quote comes from an International Student.
“Thank you for introducing me to the family. It was a pleasure to have shared and cared for her for the last year of her life. I felt so much love from the family. I will forever miss how her face would light up whenever I made her a bouquet of flowers from her garden and how she would help me decide what to wear when I am going out. She will remain with me forever.”
Homeshare from the viewpoint of a daughter-in-law
Patience, whose 94 year old mother-in-law has had a Sharer living with her for the past three and a half years, says, “Before Marjory had a Sharer living with her, there were times she’d call us in a panic. My husband or l would have to drop everything and go round to her house -her welfare is always our priority. But now she feels so much more secure at home and we’re happier knowing there’s an extra pair of eyes and ears to alert us if anything happens. It has been beneficial for everyone including I hope, the Sharers, who we support and view as family.”
Marjory’s most recent Sharer moved in in the summer 2014 and is her fourth Sharer. The previous three Sharers all stayed for a year; “The girls have all been superb,” says Patience.
Homeshare from the view of the homesharer
Anna-Louise, Marjory’s previous Sharer said, “I love coming home to someone who’s happy to see me, and it’s so much more enjoyable cooking for two than for one. lt also saves me money and I live in a house with a garden – something I wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. We get on amazingly well. I come home around 6pm, make us dinner and then we watch some telly – we both love documentaries and sport. Being in a homeshare doesn’t restrict my social life. Marjory’s always happy to hear I have plans, and she loves visitors, so I can invite friends over for dinner occasionally. Nobody stays over, but l’m not in a relationship anyway. Marjory’s family is also a great support.”
Homeshare from the view of the elderly person
Marjory adds: “l didn’t like being alone at night, but now it’s reassuring knowing someone is there when I get up and go to bed. lt can be a little hard for me when my Sharers change and I have to get used to a new routine, but equally I feel excited for them as they move on to something new. I like having someone around, but it’s good that they’re not in all day,because I also like having the house to myself at times too.”
Homeshare from the view of the Homeshare Agency
Caroline Cooke from Share & Care explains; “Homeshare is a wonderful way to help elderly people remain in their own homes and as an alternative form of care. Care Agencies can be very expensive and so, often, financial constraints can mean elderly people try to make do with the bare minimum of help. Thousands of older people have no family living nearby and do not want to have to rely on the goodwill of neighbours. Many are desperately lonely and struggle to get out and to manage the practicalities of eating well and running a home. For as little as £4 a day, having a live-in Sharer can provide practical support, and help ease the feeling of loneliness – and anxiety – that older people can have living on their own.”
Why use an agency to arrange a Homeshare?
An agency will ensure Sharers are DBS checked (through the Disclosure and Barring Service, formally known as the Criminal Records Bureau), that personal references are checked and a Homeshare Agreement drawn up between both parties. Agencies also provide extensive support to both the elderly person and their Sharer from the time the client registers. They continue to contact and provide all parties with advice and a listening ear throughout the duration of the share. This enables the agency team to build a relationship with the all parties, monitor how things are going and to be better able to help clarify and resolve any issues that might arise.
Interested in finding out more?
Please visit Share and Care’s website , or contact us by phone on 0208 875 9575, or send an email to [email protected]
