Homeshare is set to play a much greater part in helping the NHS deliver improved outcomes for older people, as the sector is more open than ever before to alternative, more cost-effective methods to support independent living for an ageing population across the UK. 
As a sustainable model for the NHS, homeshare provides healthcare professionals with a viable solution; a quick and easy option ideally suited to vulnerable, older patients with lower level needs before they reach crisis point.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a heightened interest in homeshare as a means to avoid unnecessary placements in nursing or residential care and instead provide the level and type of support that older people really need. The positive impact of homeshare on the health and social care economy is significant. It is a low-cost solution to some of the widespread and growing issues for older people; reducing use of A&E, lowering hospital admissions, and reducing use of other services such as mental health services, respite care, and patient transport services.
Homeshare schemes enable householders who want to live independently in their own home, usually older people or adults with support needs or disabilities, to share their home with homesharers, who are often younger people. In addition to providing much needed companionship, homesharers help with daily tasks such as shopping, cooking, gardening, and assistance with technology – a task which has proved invaluable in order to maintain contact with family throughout the pandemic.
NHS professionals are turning to homeshare to support independent living for older people as Amanda Clarke, director at Share and Care Homeshare explains, “Homeshare has been in place in the UK for almost 40 years, and in recent years has started to be recognised as a valuable part of the solution in today’s health and social care sector. However, there are still a great many more people homeshare can help and indeed, for the future, I would like to see this option being considered more readily and given the same weight as other more traditional ways of supporting elderly people. For those older people with a spare room who need support, practical help or company within their home, homeshare is a viable option and brings enormous benefits. With the outbreak of coronavirus, loneliness and social isolation is at an all-time high and homeshare provides the companionship to help alleviate these concerns whilst supporting independent living. For NHS healthcare professionals, referring older people to homeshare opens up a whole new choice that they may not have previously considered; one that could transform their lives.”
As an invaluable community service, homeshare schemes such as Share and Care Homeshare are increasingly shaping the future of healthcare, and overcoming issues brought about by coronavirus. Homeshare collaborations with the NHS will help drive much needed change and are delivering improved outcomes for older people.
To find out more about how NHS healthcare professionals can quickly and easily refer via the homeshare route, contact Share and Care Homeshare on 020 3865 3398.
This gave only a phone number
I would have preferred some weblinks to read more about it as i don’t have time for waiting on the phone and without reading more i don’t yet understand the questions that i might wish to ask.
I heard about it on the radio some years ago. It seems eminently sensible when people find meeting living expenses onerous, and living alone hazardous. I understand that there are “organising agences” who mediate between homeshare partners to hopefully avert any exploitation on either part. for people with 2 or more unused bedrooms so sharer can have own room and sitting room.
Hi Catherine, Our email is info@shareandcare.co.uk if you would like to ask further question about home sharing.
are homeshare guests criminal record checked ?
Hi Neil, Yes Homeshare guests do go through a enhanced DBS check as well as a credit check before moving in. We also take up two or three references.
Guests are only permitted with the Householders permission; we advise that the Sharer doesn’t invite guest to the house and this is discussed at interview stage.