As the pressures of caregiving increase, Homeshare Week 2024 shines a spotlight on an innovative solution for families across the UK. Homeshare matches older loved ones seeking companionship and assistance with individuals seeking affordable accommodation, creating mutually beneficial arrangements that enhance quality of life.
Despite the government’s £2.3 billion increase in social care funding for the 2023-24 financial year, the demand for support continues to grow. Currently, over 420,000 older people are still waiting for care assessments and 131,000 vacancies remain unfilled in adult social care. With approximately 3.6 million people in the UK providing unpaid care to elderly relatives – over 40% of whom report mental health challenges – families are increasingly feeling the strain. Homeshare offers a cost-effective, preventative solution that provides much-needed reassurance and support.
What is Homeshare?
Homeshare is an arrangement where older individuals, or householders, are matched with homesharers, usually younger people, who provide around 10 hours of practical support each week. This includes companionship and help with household tasks, such as shopping, cleaning, and preparing meals, delaying the need for costly formal care services. As local authorities grapple with rising demand for social care, Homeshare offers a flexible solution to ease the burden.
A solution for Generation X
As many GenX adults balance work, family, and the responsibilities of caring for aging parents, Homeshare offers a solution that can provide peace of mind. Research indicates that over 1.3 million individuals in the UK are part of the ‘sandwich generation’, caring for both children and elderly parents. Additionally, with 1.4 million older people in the UK often feeling lonely, Homeshare not only alleviates loneliness but also fosters intergenerational relationships that benefit both householders and homesharers.
Why Homeshare is needed now more than ever
With a 9.2% increase in planned social care spending for 2024-25, local authorities are striving to expand their services. However, demand continues to outstrip supply. While councils work to provide more long-term care and support, they still face significant challenges in meeting the needs of older adults.
Homeshare offers a flexible, cost-effective solution that alleviates pressure on formal care services, enabling families to explore alternatives that do not rely solely on overstretched public resources.
Homeshare Week 2024: Highlighting the key benefits
This Homeshare Week (October 6th-12th), Homeshare UK is encouraging families to explore how Homeshare could support their older relatives. The initiative offers numerous benefits:
- Reducing loneliness – With 4 million older people feeling isolated, Homeshare helps foster connections.
- Providing practical support – Homesharers assist with everyday tasks that significantly improve quality of life.
- Offering affordable accommodation – Amid the rental crisis, Homeshare provides homesharers with affordable housing options.
- Building intergenerational bonds – These matches promote friendships across generations.
- Easing pressure on local services – Homeshare can reduce the demand for formal care services by offering essential support.
- Reassuring families – Knowing a capable and trusted homesharer is nearby provides peace of mind.
- Enhancing safety – The overnight presence helps both householders and homesharers feel secure.
As GenX adults increasingly shoulder the responsibility of caring for aging parents, innovative solutions like Homeshare are more vital than ever.
To find your local Homeshare provider or learn more about how Homeshare can support your family, visit Homeshare UK’s provider map.