Could Homesharing Help Your Loved One Live More Safely at Home?
A growing number of families are turning to homeshare arrangements as a way to help their older relatives feel safer, less lonely, and more supported at home – especially when dealing with challenges like dementia, mobility issues, or overnight security concerns.
The Homeshare Report 2025 in the UK offers encouraging news for families caring for ageing parents, especially those living alone.
What Is Homesharing?
Homesharing pairs an older person (the “householder”) with a younger adult (the “homesharer”) who lives in the home. In return for affordable accommodation, the homesharer offers light help around the house and, importantly, companionship.
It’s not a care arrangement, but it can provide many of the things that families worry about most – like someone being around at night, helping with daily tasks, or being there in case of an emergency.
Whilst there is often more than one driver for seeking a homeshare arrangement, the annual report identifies the primary drivers for seeking a homeshare arrangement as overnight security (75%), loneliness/social isolation/bereavement (58%), with dementia (43%), and mobility issues (43%) ranking the same. Other factors include difficulties completing day-to-day tasks (35%), and long-term health conditions (22%).
Homeshare Suitability Checklist for Families of Older Adults
ChatGPT has helped us put together a checklist that might help you assess whether a homeshare would work for your friend or relative.
Your Loved One’s Needs
Check all that apply:
Lives alone and could benefit from regular companionship
Feels anxious or unsafe at night
Has experienced a fall or near-miss at home
Has early-stage dementia or memory concerns
Needs light help with day-to-day tasks (e.g. cooking, tidying, reminders)
Often forgets appointments, medication, or to lock doors
Feels isolated, especially after bereavement
Wants to stay in their own home but needs some support
Doesn’t yet need formal or full-time care
Home Environment
Has a spare bedroom in decent condition
Bathroom and kitchen are reasonably accessible
Is open to having someone live in the home
Family or caregivers are nearby in case additional support is needed
Personality and Preferences
Enjoys meeting new people and forming connections
Is open to compromise and sharing space
Values independence but welcomes a helping hand
Understands this is not a care service, but a supportive exchange
For the Family
You’re concerned about their safety or loneliness
You want a non-intrusive way to add some support
You live too far away or can’t be present daily
You’re looking for a cost-effective solution
You’d feel reassured knowing someone is around regularly
Results
- 10–15 boxes checked: Homeshare could be an excellent fit. Worth exploring immediately
- 6–9 boxes checked: May benefit in specific areas. A tailored arrangement could be ideal
- 0–5 boxes checked: May not be the right time yet, but revisit if needs increase
For the full Homeshare Report 2025, please visit the Homeshare Association. If you are working with someone who could benefit from a homeshare arrangement, please contact the Homeshare Association at [email protected]
Image: Getty Images on Unsplash