Dementia denial: how homeshare helps
Dementia denial: how homeshare helps
Homeshare: Your safeguarding questions answered
Choosing to open your home to someone outside your existing network and invite them to live alongside you is, for many, a completely new experience. Understandably questions may arise around what steps are taken to ensure the protection and safety of householders, and safeguarding is one of the key points that householders and their families want to find out more about. (more…)
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Report reveals 100% of people would recommend homeshare arrangements
The Homeshare Association, of which Share and Care Homeshare are founding members have just released “The Homeshare Report 2023” which reveals a unique insight into the current market and what’s on the horizon.
Recognising the work of independent and early stage homeshare providers, the Homeshare
Associations vision is to build the homeshare sector further and be the recognised voice of
authority and the insight in this report reinstates its leading presence.
The latest report, released this week, takes a closer look into who is benefiting from
homeshare and the primary drivers for seeking an arrangement. With poor mobility the
reason behind 30% of homeshare arrangements, and diagnosed dementia 26%, the report
also acknowledges the wide range of drivers stating that there are often more than one.
Homeshare huge hit
The survey results reveal some compelling data; 100% of people living in homeshare
arrangements said they would recommend homeshare, or already have, and 100% of older
people and younger people reported a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.
The average age of sharer is 39, the oldest is 70 and youngest is 22; highlighting the breadth
of appeal and 75% of sharers reported that they would be happy to homeshare again. On
average, a householder is 84 years old, and the median length of a match in 2022 was 9 – 15
months.
It also details how homeshare, as a flexible service, not only benefits different types of
people but also sits well amongst other support services. With membership organisations
adhering to strict standards, the Association addresses how homeshare supports
government, the NHS and social care, and the compelling cost savings that are achievable
via the homeshare route.
To support this, the report publishes insight from a London-based social prescriber on how
the growing collaboration between social prescribing and homeshare can support
communities at scale.
What lies ahead for homeshare
There is strong need for arrangements of this type, and with health and social care services
stretched to the max, homeshare matches will undoubtedly continue to grow.
To facilitate this growth, the report addresses the barriers that need to be tackled and
makes the case for a Council Tax review for older people in a homeshare arrangement.
Currently a householder is likely to lose their 25% single person discount, which can
significantly impact people during the current cost-of-living crisis.
More also needs to be done to offer homeshare as a solution when people leave hospital,
and this requires greater awareness of the homeshare model in the NHS, and possibly
incentives to encourage older people to being more receptive to sharing their home.
The report concludes with recommendations that could improve the take up of homeshare
in the UK. From reaching householders earlier as a preventative step, to local authorities
pushing awareness-building campaigns, and the ability for householders to pay for a
homeshare service via their care allowance.
“We are in a unique position to share in depth insight gathered from our membership
organisations, and our inaugural annual report provides an invaluable insight into the
powerful impact of homeshare arrangements, and importantly details what needs to be
undertaken to increase take up. Homeshare is certainly playing a greater role in supporting
people to live independently in their own homes, and building greater connections across
health and social care and local authorities will ultimately overcome some of the main
challenges currently faced. Let’s collaboratively drive the homeshare movement,” explains
Amanda Clarke, founding member of the Homeshare Association.
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Join us online, Tues 17 Jan: Homeshare explained
We are thrilled to be invited by The Academy of Fabulous NHS Stuff to join its FabTalks programme, and we look forward to welcoming people from across the health and social care sector to join us, as well as those who may be considering homeshare arrangements for a loved one.
On Tuesday 17 January between 5 and 6 pm, our founder, Caroline Cooke, will share an insight into homeshare arrangements.
She will talk about everything from how homeshare initiatives support the health and social care sector, and how practitioners can utilise this model of support, to the life-changing impact it has on older people and their families. With the cost of living soaring, and budgets squeezed tighter than ever, Caroline also discusses how it’s a highly cost-effective means of supporting older people, for both the health and social care sector, and also for older people themselves.
She’ll share some of the wonderful stories of the intergenerational support between younger people and older people living in homeshare arrangements, and the life-long friendships made.
We look forward to welcoming you to the session, and answering any questions you may have!
Please reserve your place in advance, tickets are free and available via Eventbrite Fab Talks with Share & Care Home Share Tickets, Tue 17 Jan 2023 at 17:00 | Eventbrite
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Safeguarding older people in homeshare arrangements
Between 21 and 27 November, it’s Safeguarding Adults Week 2022, a campaign that Share and Care Homeshare support.
Safeguarding Adults Week 2022 is an opportunity for organisations to come together to raise awareness of important safeguarding issues. It aims to highlight key safeguarding issues, start conversations and raise awareness of safeguarding best practice.
On Thursday 24 November, the Ann Craft Trust focuses on the theme of ‘Elder Abuse.’ Share and Care Homeshare takes safeguarding very seriously and we would like to provide an insight into our best practice and share the steps we take to ensure the safeguarding of older people in homeshare arrangements.
Over the years there has been somewhat of a myth over safeguarding in a homeshare context, with some conceiving that processes may not be robust enough as they do not have to meet CQC regulations. To debunk this myth, we can assure people that the reality is completely different.
As homesharers do not provide personal or nursing care, there is no CQC requirement; however reputable organisations like us ensure that homesharers are checked to the same level as CQC regulated carers. In fact, the policies and procedures in place here at Share and Care Homeshare may go over and above those required by residential or home care providers.
All homesharers undergo an enhanced DBS check which is renewed every 3 years, plus an ID and credit check. In addition, potential homesharers must provide at least two character and professional references.
During the next stage, we undertake very detailed interviews with potential sharers including finding out about their life and background to ensure they are a suitable match for our householders. We match people carefully, thinking about culture, language, personal preference, diet, interests, and much more to ensure a good match. With our matches lasting on average 15 months or more, we know this formula works well!
On top of this we endeavour to find out as much as possible about a potential householder to ensure that the homeshare arrangement is appropriate for their situation and support needs, both for their safety and that of their homesharer. This can also involve contacting family members, health officials, or social workers as part of the support checks.
Behind the scenes we also monitor safeguarding aspects which includes areas such as checking that policies are up-to-date and relevant, to regular reviews of the reporting procedure.
Following a successful match, Share and Care Homeshare maintains regular on-going contact with the sharer, the householder and their family; helping and supporting people to live happily, healthy, and safely in homeshare arrangements and providing peace of mind for everyone.
Share and Care Homeshare supports #SafeguardingAdultsWeek
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Top 10 activities: homesharers
Our sharers and householders create strong, unique bonds; forming beautiful, long-lasting
friendships. Many spend time sharing a wide range of common interests, from taking a walk
in the park to sharing a glass of wine together
The power of sharing quality time together is immense. Here are 10 of the most popularactivities our sharers and householders enjoy together!
Was this post helpful?
Was this post helpful?
Homeshare: Your safeguarding questions answered
Choosing to open your home to someone outside your existing network and invite them to live alongside you is, for many, a completely new experience. Understandably questions may arise around what steps are taken to ensure the protection and safety of householders, and safeguarding is one of the key points that householders and their families want to find out more about. (more…)
Was this post helpful?
Report reveals 100% of people would recommend homeshare arrangements
The Homeshare Association, of which Share and Care Homeshare are founding members have just released “The Homeshare Report 2023” which reveals a unique insight into the current market and what’s on the horizon.
Recognising the work of independent and early stage homeshare providers, the Homeshare
Associations vision is to build the homeshare sector further and be the recognised voice of
authority and the insight in this report reinstates its leading presence.
The latest report, released this week, takes a closer look into who is benefiting from
homeshare and the primary drivers for seeking an arrangement. With poor mobility the
reason behind 30% of homeshare arrangements, and diagnosed dementia 26%, the report
also acknowledges the wide range of drivers stating that there are often more than one.
Homeshare huge hit
The survey results reveal some compelling data; 100% of people living in homeshare
arrangements said they would recommend homeshare, or already have, and 100% of older
people and younger people reported a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.
The average age of sharer is 39, the oldest is 70 and youngest is 22; highlighting the breadth
of appeal and 75% of sharers reported that they would be happy to homeshare again. On
average, a householder is 84 years old, and the median length of a match in 2022 was 9 – 15
months.
It also details how homeshare, as a flexible service, not only benefits different types of
people but also sits well amongst other support services. With membership organisations
adhering to strict standards, the Association addresses how homeshare supports
government, the NHS and social care, and the compelling cost savings that are achievable
via the homeshare route.
To support this, the report publishes insight from a London-based social prescriber on how
the growing collaboration between social prescribing and homeshare can support
communities at scale.
What lies ahead for homeshare
There is strong need for arrangements of this type, and with health and social care services
stretched to the max, homeshare matches will undoubtedly continue to grow.
To facilitate this growth, the report addresses the barriers that need to be tackled and
makes the case for a Council Tax review for older people in a homeshare arrangement.
Currently a householder is likely to lose their 25% single person discount, which can
significantly impact people during the current cost-of-living crisis.
More also needs to be done to offer homeshare as a solution when people leave hospital,
and this requires greater awareness of the homeshare model in the NHS, and possibly
incentives to encourage older people to being more receptive to sharing their home.
The report concludes with recommendations that could improve the take up of homeshare
in the UK. From reaching householders earlier as a preventative step, to local authorities
pushing awareness-building campaigns, and the ability for householders to pay for a
homeshare service via their care allowance.
“We are in a unique position to share in depth insight gathered from our membership
organisations, and our inaugural annual report provides an invaluable insight into the
powerful impact of homeshare arrangements, and importantly details what needs to be
undertaken to increase take up. Homeshare is certainly playing a greater role in supporting
people to live independently in their own homes, and building greater connections across
health and social care and local authorities will ultimately overcome some of the main
challenges currently faced. Let’s collaboratively drive the homeshare movement,” explains
Amanda Clarke, founding member of the Homeshare Association.
Was this post helpful?
Join us online, Tues 17 Jan: Homeshare explained
We are thrilled to be invited by The Academy of Fabulous NHS Stuff to join its FabTalks programme, and we look forward to welcoming people from across the health and social care sector to join us, as well as those who may be considering homeshare arrangements for a loved one.
On Tuesday 17 January between 5 and 6 pm, our founder, Caroline Cooke, will share an insight into homeshare arrangements.
She will talk about everything from how homeshare initiatives support the health and social care sector, and how practitioners can utilise this model of support, to the life-changing impact it has on older people and their families. With the cost of living soaring, and budgets squeezed tighter than ever, Caroline also discusses how it’s a highly cost-effective means of supporting older people, for both the health and social care sector, and also for older people themselves.
She’ll share some of the wonderful stories of the intergenerational support between younger people and older people living in homeshare arrangements, and the life-long friendships made.
We look forward to welcoming you to the session, and answering any questions you may have!
Please reserve your place in advance, tickets are free and available via Eventbrite Fab Talks with Share & Care Home Share Tickets, Tue 17 Jan 2023 at 17:00 | Eventbrite
Was this post helpful?
Safeguarding older people in homeshare arrangements
Between 21 and 27 November, it’s Safeguarding Adults Week 2022, a campaign that Share and Care Homeshare support.
Safeguarding Adults Week 2022 is an opportunity for organisations to come together to raise awareness of important safeguarding issues. It aims to highlight key safeguarding issues, start conversations and raise awareness of safeguarding best practice.
On Thursday 24 November, the Ann Craft Trust focuses on the theme of ‘Elder Abuse.’ Share and Care Homeshare takes safeguarding very seriously and we would like to provide an insight into our best practice and share the steps we take to ensure the safeguarding of older people in homeshare arrangements.
Over the years there has been somewhat of a myth over safeguarding in a homeshare context, with some conceiving that processes may not be robust enough as they do not have to meet CQC regulations. To debunk this myth, we can assure people that the reality is completely different.
As homesharers do not provide personal or nursing care, there is no CQC requirement; however reputable organisations like us ensure that homesharers are checked to the same level as CQC regulated carers. In fact, the policies and procedures in place here at Share and Care Homeshare may go over and above those required by residential or home care providers.
All homesharers undergo an enhanced DBS check which is renewed every 3 years, plus an ID and credit check. In addition, potential homesharers must provide at least two character and professional references.
During the next stage, we undertake very detailed interviews with potential sharers including finding out about their life and background to ensure they are a suitable match for our householders. We match people carefully, thinking about culture, language, personal preference, diet, interests, and much more to ensure a good match. With our matches lasting on average 15 months or more, we know this formula works well!
On top of this we endeavour to find out as much as possible about a potential householder to ensure that the homeshare arrangement is appropriate for their situation and support needs, both for their safety and that of their homesharer. This can also involve contacting family members, health officials, or social workers as part of the support checks.
Behind the scenes we also monitor safeguarding aspects which includes areas such as checking that policies are up-to-date and relevant, to regular reviews of the reporting procedure.
Following a successful match, Share and Care Homeshare maintains regular on-going contact with the sharer, the householder and their family; helping and supporting people to live happily, healthy, and safely in homeshare arrangements and providing peace of mind for everyone.
Share and Care Homeshare supports #SafeguardingAdultsWeek
Was this post helpful?
Top 10 activities: homesharers
Our sharers and householders create strong, unique bonds; forming beautiful, long-lasting
friendships. Many spend time sharing a wide range of common interests, from taking a walk
in the park to sharing a glass of wine together
The power of sharing quality time together is immense. Here are 10 of the most popularactivities our sharers and householders enjoy together!
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