A householder’s story – February 2025
“I like my sharer, Elaine, very much and she’s always willing to help out with anything. I couldn’t ask for a better person.”
The concept of opening her home to others is nothing new for 92 year old Angela, who had happily accommodated lodgers for many years. However, downsizing from a larger home to a ground floor flat, Angela wasn’t initially bought into the idea of homesharing as much as her children were, yet she decided to give it a try. Angela’s sharer, Elaine, has recently moved in and already the two are enjoying a very relaxing homeshare experience.
“In the past, I’d had lodgers in my house for years, probably about 30 years in total. Therefore, the idea of sharing my home with someone else wasn’t new to me, however I had never heard of homesharing before.
Since my days of taking in lodgers I have downsized. I recently lost my balance, and now use a walking frame for support, so I was unable to manage the stairs. I now live in a ground floor flat.
My children insisted that I have someone else in the home in case of a fall, and my elder son initiated the idea of homesharing. I hated the idea of having someone here but my sharer Elaine, is absolutely wonderful! My children are relieved that I have someone else here to look out for me, and I like Elaine very much.
My sharer leaves for work early in the morning so I do not always see her first thing. We catch up when she is back from work and at the weekends. She helps out with many daily tasks around the home such as emptying the dishwasher or picking up the shopping. Elaine is always wiling to help out with anything.
I do also have a cleaner who comes in to change the bed, do the washing and ironing, and so on, so there is no need for Elaine to help out with anything like that.
Elaine also offers to cook dinner, but I eat so little now that I like to put something together myself, but while she’s preparing her supper, I often sit with her in the kitchen for a chat.
She has a sweet tooth and loves to bake; she bakes a very good lemon drizzle cake!
I very much enjoy spending time talking with Elaine, she’s had a very interesting career and travelled a lot which I like to hear about. She also loves reading, which is something that I have done all my life as a writer – I have written 12 books, some on cookery and gardening.
I spend a lot of my time writing poetry, originally encouraged to do so at an early age by my sister. Sometimes while I’m writing, Elaine will pop in for a chat which is lovely. I do see more of my sharer at the weekend, although she has a busy social life and is able to go out with friends too which means she is not dependent on me!
Before Elaine arrived, we made up her room nicely, and painted it – it used to be my storage room so it’s now freshened up and is her bedroom. When the weather gets better, I think she’ll enjoy sitting in the garden for supper.
Even though I’ve never met her, I’ve even talked to Elaine’s mother on the telephone. She lives in New Zealand, and as I used to be a garden designer, I gave her advice about a dying tree!
Although I had never heard of homesharing before, I personally think it’s a really nice idea. I would absolutely recommend it to friends, and already have! It also gives my family a sense of relief and comfort.
I’m still in the early days of my homeshare arrangement, but I am already getting used to it and couldn’t ask for a better person. So far, I’m happy, and my sharer is also happy. It’s a very relaxed relationship.”
Angela, London
A daughter’s story – November 2024
“Homeshare has really taken the pressure off our family. Being able to go to Mum’s home and spend quality time with her is so important. Homeshare has changed our lives.”
As Kath’s 90 year old mother’s needs increased due to a fall, the family recognised that a longer-term solution was required to fulfil her desire to remain living in her own home, and relieve the pressure the family were under to provide a presence day and night.
Homeshare has been the perfect solution for both Kath’s mother and family – providing a balance for everyone, and enabling her to stay safely and comfortably at home, in the place she wants to be.
“My sister worked with a homeshare sharer, and heard about how the organisation worked and the lovely relationship that she’d built with her elderly person. It sounded very positive and we felt it could work for our Mum.
Mum had a series of falls and although she didn’t need care at night, we wanted someone with her in case she fell again, so we arranged a 24 hour family rota. It worked in the short term but put a strain on us all. We all have families and are working, and we needed a longer-term solution.
Mum loved having us staying with her overnight. It was great for her, but challenging for us. She likes her independence and was adamant that she didn’t want to go into a care home. It was important for us to respect her wishes, but without putting too much strain on ourselves – we needed to find a balance.
Share and Care Homeshare seemed like such a good idea. First of all, we were a little unsure about whether it would work for Mum, but we thought that with the right person, it could work well.
Share and Care Homeshare were brilliant. We talked about Mum and her needs. Mum has a carer who comes in four times a day to cover her basic needs, and we wanted to make sure this continued, so that the role of the sharer was more for reassurance, companionship and to provide a friendly and helpful presence.
When our sharer was introduced, we felt she was lovely. She’s a gentle, quiet, caring person, perfect for Mum. Mum is quite self-contained, and her sharer recognises this and will sit and talk to her if that’s what Mum wants, or equally give her space. Sometimes they enjoy watching Strictly together!
The sharer works from home sometimes which means she’s able to check in on Mum regularly, and she’s also been great at making sure Mum eats regularly and healthily.
The two of them have settled into a nice rhythm together. There’s also a good family presence from our side. We don’t want the sharer to feel she always has to be there for Mum, we want to ensure that she has time off too.
The fact that the sharer is there overnight is wonderful. Mum fell at night recently and it was reassuring for both Mum and us that the sharer was there to help. It makes us all feel more secure.
For me, being able to go to Mum’s home and spend quality time with her without needing to stay the night, has improved our relationship.
Mum really likes her sharer, she’s lovely and we can’t praise her highly enough. For us, it’s great to see Mum settled at home and happy. She is exactly where she wants to be and she can be her best self in the familiar surroundings of her home.
Mum’s sharer feels like part of our family, we are so grateful for the support she gives Mum. They have a good relationship, and it feels like a really nice environment for Mum in her final years -she’s 90 years old, and very proud of her age!
Share and Care Homeshare is a great organisation, it’s doing really good work, and Mum is pleased that she’s gone down this route. I’ve been recommending homeshare to other people too as it has really changed our lives.
Homeshare has taken the pressure off our family, it has made Mum less dependent on us, and enabled us to have a better relationship with her as well as enabling us to have our own separate lives. We all want Mum to have as much enjoyment as possible and enjoy her final years, and homeshare makes this much more possible.”
A daughter’s story – October 2024
“ 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!”
A Sharer’s story – July 2024
“I came home from work one day and my householder took my hand and said that he was so glad that I’m here. I said the same back to him. It’s the feeling that you’re making a difference.”
The cost and loneliness of living in another county as an international student can become a burden for many young people, an experience which resonates with 32 year old Niyati from Inida who is studying social care at university. Facing a challenging time, Niyati discovered homesharing by chance and is now a huge advocate of this way of living. Niyati homeshares in an affluent part of London, with another sharer and cannot speak highly enough about the family connections she has built with the other sharer, the householder, and the householder’s family – and the warmth and kindness from everyone.
“As an international student, the idea of being around someone else attracted me to the idea of homesharing. I had come over to the UK from India to study and found my living situation at the time very lonely. I struggled with the isolation that came with moving to a different county. I wanted the independence that it brought, but the change of always having people around to then find yourself alone was a difficult time – there was no-one to ask how my day was, no-one to talk to.
As part of our culture, we stay with our family no matter how old they are, and therefore sharing with an older person was not new to me. I stumbled across Share and Care Homeshare during my search for accommodation on SpareRoom. I didn’t know anything about homesharing at the time, and I did a lot of research into this way of living.
I have now been living in a homeshare arrangement for 6 months and it has worked well for me. I would relate it back to my culture and the idea of giving back to someone and making an impact – homesharing is beneficial for someone else’s life and my own.
My householder lives with dementia, and I’ve built a family connection with him and his brother. The bond is for life, even if I ever move away, this connection will carry forward. We’ll always keep ties, and this is the best part of homesharing.
There is also another sharer who lives in the same house, and this is lovely as you get to talk about your day with each other. When I first met the other sharer, I didn’t know that she went to the same university as me, and now we know what’s happening in each other’s lives! We also have a lovely bond. She is a student too, and our schedules are aligned so we are able to ensure that one of us is always there for the householder if he needs us. As the householder lives with dementia, we’re always vigilant – making sure that we know what’s happening and that if for instance one of his carers is running late, we can ensure he has what he needs until they arrive.
I’ve developed a great friendship with the other sharer, and it’s helpful to know that when one of us isn’t there, the other is available to be there for our householder – so he’s never alone.
The other sharer and I were speaking this week and both said how fortunate we are to have this opportunity. If I get any opportunity to speak about it with other students, I always talk about how homeshare is so good.
The warmth from the family is very nice, and they’ve also invited us over for dinner. There is a personal connection too as my householder’s Father was born in India.
Homesharing has also made a great impact on the money that I can save. As well as studying social care at the University of Hertfordshire, I work part-time as a waitress. However, international students are only permitted to work 20 hours a week and cannot earn beyond a certain amount, so we cannot spare the money for high rents that are usually charged. The rent for one room in a similar area in which I live would be around £1,200 and that is a lot more than I pay for homesharing, which has made a huge difference to me.
My householder is very nice. One day I came home from work and as I walked through the door, he took my hand and said that he was so glad that I’m here. I said the same back to him. It’s the feeling that you’re making a difference. In fact, he says to me and the other sharer, time and time again, that he’s pleased we’re here.
We spend a lot of time talking – my householder likes to share stories and chat about his own experiences. He also enjoys finding out about my family in India. My family feel that I’m in good, safe hands living in a homeshare arrangement, and we talk everyday on video calls. I think that when your child is living abroad, one of the main concerns is safety, and they rest assured with homesharing that I am in a safe, homely environment.
If anyone is considering moving into a homeshare arrangement, I would say do it quickly! Give it a go and make sure you are matched with a likeminded person, you will not regret it! And once you are living in a homeshare, you will feel the difference.
It is especially beneficial for people who do not want to live alone, because having company helps with mental wellbeing. I realised that having a cup of tea with someone in a homeshare arrangement is so relaxing, but being alone wasn’t for me. It also saves a significant amount of money on rent which can provide a huge boost for people in similar situations to mine.”
A Sharer’s story – June 2024
“The best part of homesharing is living in a family environment – I wouldn’t have experienced this in student accommodation.”
Moving from another country to the UK to study is an expensive time. The cost of rental accommodation can be unaffordable, but 29 year old Damini Pal discovered a way to live that better suited her lifestyle and was significantly cheaper. Damini grew up living with her family and her grandparents in India and was therefore very comfortable with the prospect of homesharing. She has lived in a homeshare arrangement for 6 months and for Damini, the best aspect is being part of a welcoming family environment.
“I have always lived in a family environment with grandparents, and I knew that homesharing with an older person would be right for me.
I came to the UK from India to study a post-graduate degree in graphic design at the University of Hertfordshire, and I needed somewhere affordable to live. As a student, you’re always looking for cost-effective accommodation and that was another reason I chose a homeshare arrangement.
The best part of homeshare for me is that you get the friendly, family homeshare environment, and that people treat you really well. I live with a householder who has dementia. He is very nice, and his family are extremely nice too – I often talk with them.
When I first moved in, they explained how dementia affects my householder and the best way I can support him. This was very helpful and prepared me for what to expect.
The family also often invite me to lunch. For me, I’m in a foreign country and when someone treats you nicely, it’s lovely.
Another plus point is that It’s a good way to interact well with local people and to get to know more about the area in which I live, which I wouldn’t really experience if I lived in student accommodation.
The money-saving aspect is a big thing as the cost savings on accommodation are significant. As well as studying, I work part-time as a nanny, which I also love. I put the money saved through homesharing, along with the money I earn through working, aside to pay for my extended visa when it needs renewing as that usually costs between £3,000 – £4,000.
The house that I live in is beautiful and in a really good location in London. The householder used to be an artist and so there are a lot of paintings, royal furniture and antiques around the home. As a graphic designer, seeing this every day is heaven! I can admire the beauty, and feel good about what’s around me.
What’s interesting about my arrangement is that there are two sharers living in the same home, which is very good. The other sharer is also from India and I’m so happy to be homesharing with her. She is very well educated and has amazing manners! We have formed a lovely friendship and often go out shopping together.
In terms of the support I provide to my householder, when you live with someone, you never count the hours. It doesn’t work like that for me – I give as much as I can.
For example, I cook meals for my householder every day and we eat lunch and dinner together. Our palettes our very different, I like spicy food, but my householder doesn’t so I often cook pasta type dishes, but he’s still happy for me to cook the food I prefer in the house too!
Interestingly, my householder’s father was born in India, so we share some common ground there too. His own father used to cook him spicy food as a child – apparently, he never liked it then either!
I also provide companionship for my householder. He loves music and he often talks about the swinging 60s and listens to music from that time. I knew nothing about that era before, so I researched it and discovered all about it!
We share an interest in music, and when I play music through Alexa, my householder laughs – we can share the differences from our generations.
My householder also shares memories from 60s. He used to live in the same street as Elizabeth Taylor and I get to hear all about it which is very interesting!
I am also supported by the Share and Care Homeshare team. Share and Care Homeshare are really good people, and take time to listen. If I ever have a question or an issue, I get a really quick reply. There is always someone there if a problem happens which is comforting, and every month I receive an email asking how we are.”
Homeshare: a family member’s perspective – June 2024
“For us, homeshare all happened so organically, it was smooth and extremely simple. Dad has really turned a corner.”
Dominic’s Father, Julian, lives in Dorset and has been homesharing for the past 12 months. In a fascinating twist of fate, Julian and his sharer were reconnected having previously spent several years working together!
When Julian began to experience memory loss and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, his living situation at the time came under question, and the need for some extra support became apparent. Today Julian maintains a very independent life and has a busy social calendar, yet having another person in the home to help with practical activities such as locating items and taking medication when needed, has been instrumental in ensuring Julian continues to thrive independently.
“We already knew about homeshare and had previously talked about it. My Father lives in a big flat and he doesn’t need that much space to himself. At one point in time, he began to frequently need remote help for issues he was experiencing and this fast-tracked us into the possibilities of homeshare. My sister and I do not live locally to my Dad, we are some distance away and providing support at the end of a phone was not ideal. We knew that a better solution was needed.
Shortly after this, my Father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and it was a very scary time. I stayed with him for a while, but this arrangement was unfeasible in the long-term. It wasn’t possible for me to live with my Father indefinitely.
Initially, he was resistant to the idea of sharing his home with someone else, and understandably so. He has lived much of his life on his own and was unsure about a different way of living. We did however explain to Dad that it could be tricky if he hurt himself and is alone in the home. Sensing his apprehension, we did say that if he really didn’t want to homeshare, we wouldn’t force the idea, but he did understand the merits.
Reconnecting with homeshare
Today through Share and Care Homeshare, my Father is homesharing with someone who he used to work with! Richard is in his 50s and used to manage a brewery that my Father owned. They knew each other from years ago and there was already an established connection, it wasn’t a case of getting to know each other from scratch, which made the process fairly straightforward.
Dad has a strong network of friends and so for him, the practical support side of homesharing is more valuable than the companionship element. Dad has no hard requirements, he is very able, but it’s the little things that are making a big difference.
Turning a corner
The helpful bit for us is that there is always someone there. Dad is often putting things down and he’s always losing things, so it’s very useful having a sharer in the home to locate those items easily.
They also cook for each other and share meals together, although the sharer probably cooks a little more than my Father!
Without having a sharer, we would have had to get nurses in and have proper assisted living. It would have been desperately sad as Dad is so capable of everything, but he was forgetting his pills and on occasions taking a fall too. For the first six months, when my Father was going through a difficult time, the situation could have been very different without the sharer there. Without Richard, there could have been a risk of a serious incident.
Dad has really turned a corner and has got much better.
A smooth & simple process
My Father speaks highly of Richard and he fully appreciates everything that he does. He says that we’ll never get someone like Richard again!
My one tip is to make sure that your loved ones fully understand what’s involved with homeshare and the changes that they should expect in their day-to-day lives. For us, homeshare all happened so organically. It was smooth and extremely simple.”
A Sharer’s story – December 2023
“Homeshare is a win-win. I am saving money to realise my dreams of
starting my own company and having a home of my own one day.”
With a dream to own her own home and launch a business, 31 year old Abi knew that living in an expensive luxury apartment wasn’t going to help her reach these goals – she knew a change had to made.
Whilst investigating her options, Abi discovered the low-cost option of homesharing. With her established background in social care, Abi knew this would be the perfect move for her. Today, Abi homeshares with a married couple in their 80s in London, and she’s on the road to saving for a promising future.
“I moved into a luxury apartment in London which I absolutely loved during the lockdown when rents were lower, and I knew at the time that I was paying a discounted rate. However, over a 3 year period the rent increased significantly, and combined with everything else going up in price, it pushed me out of that particular rental property.
I realised that I needed to save now in order to help me reach my goal of eventually purchasing my own home and also starting my own business in social care.
Rising rents were a big worry
The situation in the rental market was a big worry for me, I didn’t want to get into the same predicament of having to move out of somewhere when the rent increased. I wanted to be able to save money to afford to do things that I enjoy and things that I aim to achieve. I wanted to make sacrifices now to have a better future, and one of those sacrifices was around the type of accommodation to live in. Initially I was thinking that I would only be
able to afford just a room and not a whole place to myself. When I spotted the advert from Share and Care Homeshare, it was unbelievable. I thought that it must be too good to be true! Yet I contacted the team and soon discovered that it was genuine!
When the Share and Care team explained how a homeshare arrangement works, I knew that it was perfect for me.
I’m already from a social care background and it made sense to use my skills and knowledge in this type of living arrangement. In exchange for paying a low rent, I can help somebody else.
I was matched with a couple in their 80s in London, John and Mary. Mary lives with dementia and John provides most
of the support for Mary along with carers, although I am always here whenever needed and happy to support wherever
I can.
In my social work role, I work 9 -5 so my typical day starts with me coming down stairs in the morning and saying hello
to my householders. John makes Mary’s breakfast and lunch, and I make dinner. In the morning, carers come into
support Mary and I go upstairs to work for the day.
Companionship is key
My main role as a sharer really revolves around social companionship, which is varied. It’s often during the evenings
that I support John and Mary the most – I will step in to help with the areas they most need an helping hand with.
As I enjoy cooking, I’ve helped my householders discover new meals. I generally cook dinner for everyone and we sit
down together to eat at around 6 pm. Equally I might sit down and watch a television programme with them, or on
Sundays I may join them on a trip to church, which is conveniently opposite the house.
One day a week we all go to a lunch club which is also nice. We even sometimes drink wine together which is lovely.
I wanted to get my nails done once and I even took Mary along. She had a great time, and I even introduced her to
Nando’s – it was the first time she’d eaten at Nando’s!
I’ve also had my eyes open to new things. As well as being introduced to classical music, I’ve also discovered the 90s
television programme Heartbeat.
To help ensure that we all know each other’s weekly commitments, I use the diary that Share and Care Homeshare
provides. Every Sunday I sit down and make a note in the diary of what I am doing and where I’ll be the following
week – this means that my householders can easily see what I have coming up. John has a busy social life too, so it also helps me see at a glance where he’ll be.
Homesharing is a win-win
Our homeshare arrangement is a really good match, and it is a win-win for all of us – me and my householders. I’ve only been sharing for a relatively short time, but our friendship is growing and I’m starting to recognise their personality traits.
They are always keen to hear about my life and are probably show the most interest in my
dating life!
They enjoy speaking about their family and grandchildren, and I’m also getting to know John and Mary’s children too which is great. When they come to visit, I get to know them more each time, and we have some great conversations together. They have a granddaughter who is only a few years younger than me, which is really nice – we have common ground.
I’ve even been introduced to the extended family, and have met Mary’s sister and her husband.
Homesharing is a new experience for me, and it’s the first time that I’ve ever lived with anyone from an older generation. I feel it has given me a very different aspect on my social care work. Sometimes the family also ask for my advice – given my social care background –which is a huge compliment.
My advice to anyone considering joining a homeshare arrangement is that it’s a very good option if you want to put your head down and save money. People also need to understand the expectations and ensure that they can provide the time and support needed. Of course as a sharer you still have time to do the hobbies and things you really enjoy doing, but you do also need to put aside the time to support your householders and fulfil the obligations
that you’ve agreed to.
A Sharers’ story August 2023
For 83 year old Margaret from London, her sharer Christine has brought the outside world in. Margaret lives with Parkinson’s and is registered blind. With carers providing support across the day, having a homesharer around for extra companionship has made a huge difference to Margaret’s life. The powerful dynamics between the two began the first time they met, and quickly developed into a strong bond which has delivered compelling rewards for both sharer and householder.
“I was intrigued by the idea of having someone to come and live with me because being in the house on your own is quite difficult. I used to just sit and watch black and white TV, so it’s been satisfying having someone to talk to. It’s been a real bonus.
My daughter heard of homeshare, and she thought it would be useful to have someone else in the house. The dynamics between my sharer, Christine, and I, started when she came here for an interview – she rewarded me for asking a good question!
I think it’s very difficult to get the right person as you don’t know what you’re looking for! I was wanting someone who could be in the house, but I wasn’t expecting the level of commitment I got from Christine – it’s really developed into quite a friendship.
Bringing the outside world in
She’s such a lively person and she has insight into the outer world which I don’t live in anymore. She’s a very good companion. Christine is always there, and I can always ask her questions and she can ask me whatever questions she wants. I find it useful that someone else is around. For instance, if I drop or lose my phone, Christine will find it.
We have good conversations which I wouldn’t normally have when I was on my own. I have a background in psychology, a topic that Christine is also interested in, and we talk about relationships, politics and general topics; it keeps me thinking! I also manage to hear about Christine’s work and how organisations are run.
Christine is a very good cook and there are always home-cooked meals with a variety of vegetables which she cooks extremely well.
We have great fun together; in fact, she’s introduced me to television programmes that I’ve never even seen on my own. Sometimes, we even watch French news together.
Family connections
Once, I invited her parents over. I get on really well with her mother, who is from a French speaking background. I am fluent in French, so we often speak French. I have also met her brother, and her sister comes over to the house sometimes. Similarly, she has met my son briefly (who now lives in New York) and knows my daughter very well.
To find a room in London, at a decent price, is difficult for younger people and therefore this arrangement is rewarding for both parties. Given the cost of houses and renting, homesharing is very good value and has enabled my sharer to save money and go on holiday for example. She feels like another daughter almost. My advice for people who may benefit from a homeshare arrangement is to look into it. There must be other like me who do not know the system and homeshare could really help. If you can get a match, go for it!
We have been homesharing for more than one year now, and it has extended my sharers repertoire as well as mine! We have a strong bond.”
A Householder’s story March 2023
“The homeshare process is very straight-forward and enables me to stay living in my family home of 53 years. My sharer is heaven sent, and brings a younger perspective to life!”
Companionship and the security of having someone else in the home overnight were front of mind for Helen, 89, and homeshare fitted her requirements perfectly. Helen’s health is good and an extra pair of hands for minor household tasks has been extremely helpful. Helen’s sharer is some 50 years younger than herself, but with several shared interests, the two are a very compatible fit.
“I originally heard about homeshare by chance, a lucky chance! My son’s friend has a neighbour who homeshares and as it’s working so well for them, he thought it would be good for me too, so my son helped me get in touch with Share and Care Homeshare.
Most of the time my health is good, and I don’t require personal care. I am however a little less mobile than I used to be, and felt somewhat uneasy and anxious about being on my own at night; I wanted companionship and security.
Share and Care Homeshare were extremely kind and helpful. The process itself was very straight forward, and the match of sharer was heaven sent! Within a couple of months, I was matched with such a compatible soul – we share a lot of interests. For instance, she’s a Christian too and I’ve since discovered that she’s a part-time administrator in the church that I attend, which I didn’t originally know. The church is only a short distance away, but I’m unable to walk as far as I used to, and as I gave up driving last year, my sharer often joins me for the Sunday morning church service on Zoom. As she also works for a prayer meditation charity, she brings a different perspective which is really nice.
I’m a graduate and she is also an English graduate, so we love watching University Challenge – although our other TV tastes are very different!
A Householder’s story My sharer is really good friends with my three children; we all have lots of good times together and when my children come to visit, we share meals together too. In the kitchen, I can’t stand on my feet for too long to chop vegetables, so my sharer cooks for me once a week. From time to time my son comes to stay one night each week for work and so there is lots of coming and going in the house which is very nice.
For me, a little extra help is welcome and my sharer does help with minor household jobs such as putting up the washing pole, and sometimes hanging out the clothes on the washing line. Whilst with other jobs, such as emptying the dishwasher, we take turns, or if one of us cooks, the other one washes up.
Every morning my sharer brings me a cup of tea, which is a nice way to start the day.
My sharer and I have a two-way relationship, which we both bring something to – it’s not one of us depending on the other, both parties benefit. There has to be warm acceptance on both sides, and we also get to learn about each other’s idiosyncrasies!
I would absolutely recommend homeshare to other people in similar situations to mine. Without homeshare, I very much would not have been able to continue living in my home of 53 years which has given me great pleasure over the years. With its lovely garden, and piano, which I love to play – it’s a blessing being able to stay here.
My advice to others considering a homeshare arrangement is to be open minded! In my circumstances, I’m relatively healthy and my mind works well, so all in all it’s lovely to have someone else in the house; someone who is too old to be a grandchild, and not old enough to be a child – almost an inbetween generation, and it’s great to have that perspective on life.”
