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Homeshare Matching householders with people in exchange for support

What is the problem this innovation solves?

Homeshare brings together people with spare rooms with people who are happy to chat and lend a hand around the house in return for affordable, sociable accommodation. It is a simple concept with numerous and wide-ranging benefits for all participants. It has the potential to be an effective and sustainable response to several key policy challenges, including tackling loneliness, helping an aging population stay in their own homes for longer, and providing affordable accommodation for young people, students and low-paid workers.

Solution

Homeshare brings together two unrelated people to share a home for mutual benefit. Typically, an older householder with a room to spare will be carefully matched with someone needing low-cost accommodation who is able to provide an agreed amount of support in exchange. Local Homeshare Organisations carefully vet, match and oversee each unique Homeshare arrangment. The support provided might include: Help with daily living tasks such as shopping, cooking and cleaning; companionship; overnight security; and/or engagement with local social activities. Homeshare itself does not provide any element of personal care for the householder.

Evidence base

There is currently no formal academic research to underpin the difference Homeshare makes, but a key piece of research headed by the Social Care Institute for Excellence was published in 2017. Case studies show the difference Homeshare is making to those participating and we have anecdotal evidence that supports that there are significant savings to be made due to a potential reduction in trips, slips and falls and use of other services such as home help. There are also potential savings due to improved wellbeing as a result of companionship and quality accommodation.

Expected impact

Older people able to stay in their own homes for longer and live happier, healthier lives, and feel re-engaged and connected to their local communities. Access to good-qulaity, affordable accommodation for a range of Homeshare participants. Bringing generations together and reducing loneliness and isolation in both young and old. 

Stage/spread (where it is/how much is there?)

There are 21 Homeshare Organisations supporting over 500 Homeshare matches across the UK. Five of these organisations are able to provide national coverage. The number of Homeshare arrangements is growing year by year. Several organisations started trading in 2019 with several more due to start delivering Homeshare during 2020 so we expect to see an impact from this over the coming years. 

What would councils/local areas need to do or have in place to enable it to happen?

Form working partnerships with existing Homeshare schemes or support/take a lead role in the development or expansion of schemes in areas not yet fully serviced by Homeshare.

What would kill it?

Lack of support and/or promotion from Local Authorities and local Health and Social Care professionals. Lack of engagement by older people.

Where to go for more information

The national body for Homeshare is Shared Lives Plus. We provide support, training, events and resources for our members and those interested in developing Homeshare and aim to influence national and local policy.