“ One of the biggest benefits of homeshare as a family member, is
reassurance. It’s a massive relief to know that someone else is there to look
out for my mum and check that she’s ok.”Jess Sykes’ mum is fully independent, with no personal care needs, and a busy social
calendar. Recognising that a move to a care home would not fit her needs or even be
contemplated by her mum, Jess got in touch with Share and Care Homeshare.
Having such a kind and loving sharer to live her mum has provided Jess and her family
with reassurance that there is someone on-hand to help out with day-to-day chores, act as
a reminder for appointments, and look out for her mum. Pamela, the sharer, has been
homesharing with Jess’ Mum for almost a year, and from day one became a very special
part of the family.
“My parents both declined during the Covid pandemic. Dad was 10 years older than my Mum and
was more frail, but they didn’t need to go into a care home. Someone suggested homeshare and I
found Share and Care Homeshare and gave them a call. I had a lovely chat with Caroline and could
immediately see the benefit that homeshare could bring to our family. Unfortunately around the
same time, my Dad was admitted to hospital, and we decided that a move to a care home would suit
his needs the best. Last year he sadly passed away, and in January of this year a turn of events led us
to revisit the idea of homesharing.
At a family meal, my mum suddenly passed out without any warning. It was a shock for my brother
and I, and we feared the worse. She was promptly admitted to hospital overnight, and it was at this
moment that we realised she was perhaps more vulnerable that we had thought and needed some
extra support. We also wondered what the consequences may have been if she was alone and we
weren’t there to help.
Whilst my brother and I live in London, we’re not next door, and with full-time careers of our own
and families, we cannot be there all of the time. Initially, we thought the best way to help would be to install cameras in the home or arrange for a carer to visit. However the cost of care is huge, and
mum simply doesn’t need it. We put the decision in my mum’s hands, and she chose the former. In
the meantime, I knew this wouldn’t be the answer, and I got in touch with Share and Care
Homeshare again. Caroline had said that she’d just spoken with the most lovely sharer and we set
the next steps in motion.
My mum was however adamant that she didn’t need anyone, yet our prospective sharer was already
on her way to see us!
Within 5 minutes of Pamela walking through the door, my mum was asking me when she could
move in! Pamela has since been homesharing with my mum for almost one year.
One of the biggest benefits of homeshare as a family member, is reassurance. It’s a massive relief to
know that someone else is there to look out for my mum – to know that they are there to pop their
head around the corner and check that she’s ok.
As a fiercely independent woman with a busy social life, mum doesn’t need a carer, she simply needs
help with small household chores such as putting the bins out.
Having a sharer is also great for helping with anything electronic. For instance, to support mum
when placing orders online, or the ability to spot a scam email.
Mum’s memory has never been brilliant, and of course as we get older, it can be more of a
challenge. Yet our sharer is very good at reminding her about any appointments that are in the
diary, and keeping mum on top of her day-to-day schedule. Even when Pamela goes away, she’ll
text my mum reminders!
Furthermore, as my mum doesn’t drive, Pamela drops her off and picks her up when she has
appointments or places to be. Our sharer doesn’t need to sit around with my mum all day because
she is so independent, so it’s a nice set up for her too.
Sharers are there looking after someone special to you, and we’ve embraced Pamela – she’s doing a
massive favour for us and we treat her as family. She is such a wonderful person, and she’s even
been over to my home where we’ve all enjoyed supper together. She’s met all of my children too.
Homeshare provides my brother and I with the reassurance that mum is safe in her own home, and
that’s just where she wants to be. My mum has more confidence now too as she has the comfort of
being able to run things by someone else who is living with her. Mum’s sharer is so good and loving.
My advice to others who are considering homeshare – daughters, sons or family of an older person –
is to go with your gut feel, and listen to your parent as you really need parent buy-in. There has to
be a connection between the householder and the sharer, and you have to be comfortable with
letting someone else into your lives.
When I interviewed Pamela, I thought she would be great, and
so did my mum.
Personally, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend homeshare!”
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