The housemates33 plan that could solve care crisis
Renters help elderly...and get cheap room
EXCLUSIVE
AMY SHARPE
BY
A HEARTWARMING initiative that pairs elderly homeowners with younger housemates could help solve the UK’s care crisis, its creators say.
Share and Care Homeshare matches people who need a room with those who need help around the house, for £150 a month each.
It helps older clients maintain independence and avoid moving into a residential home or relying on private carers – while younger sharers avoid soaring rent costs.
Share and Care Homeshare has matched hundreds of people since 2006, and currently has 76 pairs living together across the UK.
Enquiries rocketed by a third after Covid lockdowns heightened loneliness in many people.
LIFESAVER
Director Amanda Clarke said: “Clients say it’s been a lifesaver, because they can remain independently in their home with a very low-cost level of support.
“They benefit greatly from small things – a freshly cooked meal, company…
“Our sharers don’t lift clients or provide personal care like carers – they are volunteers who want to do good with the added benefit of this being a lowcost way to have a home.
“It’s not just alleviating loneliness for older people, it’s helping younger generations who are lonely too.”
Both parties pay £150 to the community interest company. It vets applicants to ensure they are suitable and pairs people based on their lifestyle and personality.
In exchange for a room, the sharer agrees to act as a companion and help around the house for 15 to 25 hours a week.
Ms Clarke is in talks with government advisers about incorporating the concept into reforms.
She added: “I’ve always said that with social care, you have to think outside the box. I truly believe intergenerational living is the future.”
amy.sharpe@sundaymirror.co.uk
She’s always there for me
AN age gap of 36 years has not stopped Johanna Lundstrom and homeowner Iris Beale becoming firm friends.
Retired headteacher Iris, 92, said: “We are different in many ways but we both love jigsaw puzzles, plants and gardening. I have a big garden and she looks after it beautifully.
“It’s companionship, really. She’s always there when I need her.
“I’m not really in good health – I have arthritis so can’t walk without aid and I have a heart condition – but Johanna is very caring.”
Staying with Iris at her four-bed home in Wandsworth, South London, has enabled Swedish songwriter Johanna, 56, to live in the capital while pursuing a music career.
She said: “Without this, I would need to get another job, work all the hours and live hand-to-mouth, stressed out all the time. This arrangement allows me to concentrate on my music, and it’s a lovely idea.”
Iris had relied on live-in carers since 2016 but felt she was losing her independence. After contacting Homeshare, Johanna moved in days before the lockdown.
Iris added: “It was difficult at first – I couldn’t go out and she had to settle in. But every day we had social time, over a meal or just chatting for a few minutes.”