ABOUT SHARE & CARE, COSTS, ON-GOING SUPPORT
Share & Care UK was set up in September 2006 by Caroline Cooke and Olivia Boorman, who saw a great need in London for low-cost companionship and practical help. Like any big city, London can be a lonely place for older people. It can also be very expensive for many students, nurses, teachers and other young professionals.
Share & Care focuses on providing elderly people who live alone, with a live-in companion who can provide practical help and support. In return, Share & Care gives responsible people working or studying in London the opportunity to find an affordable home to live in. The Agency is distinct due to the low fee it charges to both the Homeowner and the Sharer. London can also be lonely for students and young professionals, as well as other middle-aged and older single people. By Sharing with an older Homeowner, they can also find friendship as well as having a safe home in which to live.
As well as live-in Sharers, the Agency can also help provide live-out Carers.
"We’re so lucky that our parents live close by, and we can easily help them. But for thousands of older people in London there's no family nearby, and it can be so difficult to find support from neighbours in a big City. Share & Care can provide that support and friendship, and help ease the feeling of loneliness and even fear that older people can have living in London."
On-going support:
The Agency provides intensive support to both the Homeowner and the Sharer / Carer, which includes monthly phone calls. Homeowners with a live-in Sharer are also visited personally by one of the Agency team each month. The objective is to monitor how things are going and help to clarify and resolve any issues should they arise. The team is always at the end of the phone to provide help, and aims to provide a professional and friendly service.
The Agency is also in monthly contact with the Sharers and Carers and is on hand to offer help and advice, plus get-togethers and training.
Costs:
Share & Care aims to keep its costs as low as possible, and to ensure that its service is a cost-effective option to Homeowners.
- For the live-in Sharing service, the Agency charges both the Homeowner and the Sharer a low, monthly fee. They do not pay each other.
- For the live-out service, the Homeowner pays their Carer direct for the hours worked, and a small fee to the Agency.
Please contact the Agency for full details.