During Homeshare Week 2024, we’re sharing stories that show how homesharing can change lives. And today we’re sharing two stories from Homeshare West, the longest established Homeshare provider in the UK.
Susan’s Story
Susan first approached Homeshare West in 2019 when she was in residential care due to worsening mobility, caused by severe rheumatoid arthritis. She decided to try returning home with a package of care to cover her personal care needs and with support from a sharer. To date, Susan has had three sharers, her current sharer being a PhD student.
Because of her disability, Susan dreads being alone overnight, when she feels most vulnerable. She values the presence of her sharer for several reasons – the company during the evenings, getting the shopping done, having a freshly cooked meal at weekends, being taken for occasional outings in her wheelchair and of course, having her in the home at night.
Susan says, ‘We get on well, it’s lovely to have a friend to talk with’.
Susan’s story perfectly illustrates how well Homesharing can work for someone who wants to feel safe at home, whilst enjoying like-minded company.
Grace’s Story
Grace’s family heard of Homeshare West from a friend whose mother used the service for several years until her death. Grace has good physical health but is living with dementia. She is a cheerful, active woman, much loved by her family who live nearby. Her first sharer stayed with her for two years, the second for 18 months, the third for one year. Her current sharer has been with her almost two years and hopes to stay much longer.
Grace has lots of friends and visitors, often going out with them. She loves the company of her sharer of an evening. They prepare and share meals together, play card games and scrabble, or watch some TV. Her sharer will clean and tidy if needed, and lets the family know when household items are running low.
Regular review meetings ensure everything is going smoothly, and that Grace, her family and her sharer are happy to continue with the arrangement.
Her family say: ‘Homeshare has brought us such peace of mind!’ They welcome and appreciate Homeshare West’s continuing involvement over the years.
Grace’s story shows Homesharing can reassure families that their parent is safe at home, and they can rely on the sharer to bring any issues to their attention.