How homeshare can help someone living with Dementia
“The homeshare with Joanna continues to be a resounding success….she has far exceeded all our expectations in every way. Out mothers health has never been better….she had a brain scan and an annual checkup with her neurologist at the end of last year, who was impressed with the progress that she has made. Obviously as she has an Alzheimers’s diagnosis…he wasn’t expecting there to be progress…quite the opposite…we consider ourselves very lucky to have had Joanna living with Mum for the past 18 months…Long may it continue!” Cathy- Daughter of one of our clients Jan 2023
We think very carefully about who we match as a Sharer to live with someone who has Dementia. It isn’t necessarily about them having specific Dementia experience – after all, everyone’s experience of Dementia is different and every Dementia journey is an individual journey. It’s more about matching Sharers with the right manner, empathy and patience.
Shared interests can really help too. Someone with even quite advanced Dementia may often have very strong past memories and retain skills.
For example, an 82-year-old Householder who used to teach music was calmed down with a ‘sing song’ around the piano with her musical Sharer, who was also a teacher.
What can we do to support a loved one of yours?
- Our Founder Caroline Cooke trained as a Dementia Friends Champion to help people understand what it is like to live with Dementia.“My training, combined with my personal experience, enables me to offer empathetic suggestions, support, reassurance and understanding to those who are supporting someone living with Dementia.”
- Caroline runs information sessions for family members, Sharers and Social Care professionals which cover the key messages that we want everyone to know about Dementia.
- We can look for two Sharers to share the responsibility of supporting someone with Dementia at no extra charge – the monthly fee remains £150 per month for the Householder.
- We also understand how important it is to be a listening ear for our Sharers – and often for the families of the Householder too. Sometimes it’s just about being sympathetic and understanding and giving practical suggestions – such as clear signage, a quieter environment, or even going for a walk to give the supporter their own breathing space.
- We offer a free weekly “Zoom” Seated Exercise Class to all clients, we have seen how much some of our clients with Dementia have enjoyed this. More information and to book
- Share and Care Homeshare is a friend of the Alzheimer’s Society and encourages all Sharers to become Dementia Friends too. Sign up as a Dementia Friend here
What a Sharer can’t be responsible for:
- Personal care – Homeshare can sit alongside a care package from an external care agency if additional support is required.
- Being woken up at night – except in the case of a rare emergency
- 24/7 responsibility
Read the story of how having a Sharer has improved the life of one of our clients who is living with Dementia.
“We are absolutely delighted to have Mich living with Mum, and so grateful to Share and Care for putting us together. I can’t believe my luck. It just goes to show that sometimes you just have to be brave and find a non-traditional solution.”
or listen to Gillian talking to FAB NHS Stuff – PositivelyFabulousPodcast, about her mum’s homeshare experience through Share and Care Homeshare.
It is well worth a listen
October 2021 – Dementia together magazine- How homesharing can give people with dementia support and friendship
by Gareth Bracken.
Referral Process
We have a very simple referral process either –
- with your patient’s permission, you can contact us on their behalf and we will contact your patient to discuss Homeshare further, or
- ask your patient to get in touch direct by telephoning 020 3865 3398 or emailing info@shareandcare.co.uk and we will take it from there.