Homeshare options for householders
If you have a spare room, and you’d be happy to share your home, Homeshare could be perfect for you.
Homeshare matches people who need companionship and practical support (householder) with people who need accommodation (homesharer).
There are many benefits to taking part in Homeshare such as:
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- you’re able to stay in your home for longer
- you keep your independence and control of your life
- it eases the pressure on family carers
- you get some support around the house
- it’s fun and you make a new companion/friend
- it’s a mutual arrangement that allows you to give back to your community.
Talk to your local provider
Why not get in touch with your local provider for an informal chat about Homeshare?
How to apply
You can apply to become a homesharer through your local provider.
A homeshare coordinator will interview and assess you, and match you with a compatible householder.
Homeshare options for homesharers
Homeshare works best if you don’t need housing immediately and have a little time to find the right match. On average the matching process takes 8 weeks.
There are many benefits to becoming a Homesharer such as:
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- you have access to high-quality, affordable accommodation
- you help to improve the life of another person by living sociably and helping out around the house
- you make new friends and create a sense of community
Homeshare options for families
Homeshare allows older people to stay in their homes for longer by matching them with people who can provide them with companionship, and give them some support around the house.
Support activities could include tasks like cooking, cleaning, shopping, gardening, walking the dog, or simply providing the reassurance of an overnight presence.
Some of the benefits of Homeshare include:
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- your family member able to live in their home for longer
- your family member will get some support and can live more independently
- peace of mind knowing your family member is not living alone
- you can spend more quality time with your family member
Interested in a no-obligation chat?
Homeshare providers often have a list of homesharers waiting to be matched.
Speak to your local provider to see if they might have someone just right for your family.
Reference checks
The coordinator will visit the householder’s property to make sure there is a spare room available, and the property is in good repair. They also perform background and reference checks on the householder and homesharer.
Interview and matching
The coordinator will carefully select a homesharer and householder to create a compatible match. The householder (and the householder’s family) will interview the homesharer and vice versa to decide if they would like to proceed with the match. If both parties are happy with the match and decide to share, the coordinator will help to draw up an agreement.
Agreement
The householder and homesharer agree on the support that the homesharer will provide. This is a flexible arrangement and can include duties like cleaning, cooking, gardening, accompanying to appointments or shopping. Homeshare organisations charge a monthly fee to both the householder and the homesharer (check with local providers on fees) to facilitate and provide ongoing support to both people involved.
Share
The first month of Homesharing is usually a trial period so that those involved can get to know each other. The coordinator will monitor progress and provide advice and support to the householder and homesharer. Homeshare placements usually last between 6-12 months but can be longer or shorter. There are Homeshare programmes in many regions across the UK delivering face to face and local support for their Homeshare matches.
What is Homesharing like?
Would you like to read stories and watch videos from real people in Homeshare matches?