Share and Care are pleased to announce the launch of our new service, Homeshare for Families. The same Homesharing model – whereby a Sharer benefits from low-cost accommodation whilst offering practical support to the Homeowner, who benefits from an “extra pair of hands” around the house – will be used to support families who have a child or young family member who has mild physical disabilities or learning difficulties.
Operating across the UK, the scheme will provide real support for carers and the young people for whom they are caring at a cost of just £4 – £6 per day, depending on the location.
Our sharers are aged 21 and over and are usually working or studying during the day. They will give 15 hours of practical help and companionship each week, usually during 4 nights a week and at weekends.
Sharers live in the house as a friend of the family and their presence gives the reassurance of an additional adult sleeping in the house for a minimum of 5 nights a week. Sharers are not permitted to give any form of personal care.
“Since 2006, Share & Care has offered an affordable scheme that provides low cost practical help and company for elderly people by matching them with younger responsible adults – who are themselves struggling with paying high rent or wishing to save money,” explains Share & Care’s founding Director Caroline Cooke. “We have now added to our scheme by launching Families Homeshare in direct response to an increasing number of enquiries from families with special needs children, teenagers and young adults who would welcome an extra pair of hands around the house and a mentor/buddy befriender for their child,” she adds.
How it works
Based on the idea of exchange, the Family offers a bedroom and the use of their home’s facilities to the Homesharer (the person who lives with them). In return, the Homesharer gives around 15 hours a week of practical help and companionship. Practical help might include cooking, light cleaning, shopping, gardening, other errands and babysitting. The Homeowner’s property becomes the Homesharer’s home for the duration of the agreement. In return for this, the Homesharer agrees to sleep in the house for at least five nights a week – although it is their home for all seven nights – and to offer additional support at other times during the day or early evening. This is a very low cost option for families. Because the Sharer lives with the family under the terms of a Homeshare Licence Agreement, the Sharer [licensee] has no tenancy rights nor any employment rights.
The Sharer, who will usually be 21 years old or over for the families service [25+ for the elderly service], continues his/her regular job or studies during the day. The 10 hours of practical help he/she gives is normally spread out across the week. We look for Sharers who are friendly and caring and who would appreciate having affordable accommodation in return for giving help and being part of the family.
Why it works
Share & Care pays great attention to the situation and personality of the Families who are looking for help. We work hard in a professional yet friendly manner to find Sharers who have suitable practical experience and availability. We also try to match the interests of the Family and Sharer so that genuine friendships can develop.
Where it works
Share & Care offers a service for the elderly across the whole of the UK, our Families service will start in the London area. We DO NOT charge anything until we have found a potential Sharer that the Family likes and has invited to share their home.
Choosing your Sharer
When matching a Family with a Sharer, we start by finding out as much as possible about the Family. Share & Care then performs a rigorous interview process with the potential Sharer and makes every effort to check ID and documentation. We ensure Sharers have an in-date DBS check [Disclosure Barring Service] and we personally contact a minimum of two referees. When introducing a potential Sharer to the Family, we provide a written synopsis, including references, of the potential Sharer. The next step is for the Family and potential Sharer to meet and see how they get on. Referees may also contacted by the Family. If the Family offers the homeshare to the Sharer, a Homeshare Licence Agreement will be drawn up and a move-in date agreed.
Costs
Share & Care charges both the Family and the Homesharer a small monthly facilitation fee. There is no exchange of money between the Family and the Homesharer.
Our fees are as follows:
- London Service – Fees £150 + VAT [£180 per month], under £6 per day
- Outer London and City Service – In other UK Cities and London suburbs our fees are £125 + VAT [£150 per month], under £5 per day. We charge a nominal introduction fee with the first invoice.
- Country Service – In more rural country areas our fees are £100 + VAT [£125 per month], under £4 per day. We charge a nominal introduction fee with the first invoice.
Length of Share
We undertake to look for Sharers who will be in a position to commit to living with the Family for at least one year and most arrangements last for at least a year. However, we understand that situations can change on both sides, and a 30 day notice period is included in all agreements.
On-going support
Share & Care provides regular, on-going support to both the Family and the Sharer. The objective is to monitor their relationship progress to encourage a happy, friendly homeshare and if needed help to clarify and resolve any issues should they arise. The Share & Care team is always at the end of the phone to provide help, and aims to provide a professional and friendly supp
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