Homesharing: what it is and how to set up an arrangement
Homesharing has been quietly rising in popularity for many years. At its best, a homeshare brings together an older person with a home and a desire for companionship with a younger person willing to offer time and help in return for a roof over their head. Caroline Cooke, director at community interest company Share and Care Homeshare, explains how a homeshare works, and the benefits and drawbacks for an older person aiming to live independently in their own home.
What is homesharing?
Homesharing is a well-established, community-based living arrangement that has been operating in the UK for more than 40 years. It brings together two people with complementary needs; typically, an older person, or an older couple, who would benefit from some support to remain living independently at home, and a “sharer” who is looking for affordable accommodation.
In a homeshare arrangement, the sharer lives in the older person’s home and provides around 10–15 hours of practical help, companionship, and reassurance each week in exchange for a home to live in. This help might include preparing meals, doing light household tasks, assisting with shopping, or simply being a friendly presence for companionship. The result is a mutually beneficial relationship that fosters independence and connection.
The recent Share and Care Homeshare 2026 Impact Report states homesharing is increasingly recognised as a valuable alternative within the UK’s social care landscape. It offers a compassionate, flexible way for older people to remain in their own homes for longer, rather than moving into residential care.
Why older people choose homeshare
The 2026 Homeshare Impact report highlights the growing demand for homeshare arrangements driven by health and social needs. The main reasons older people seek homesharing include:
- Dementia and memory loss (51%)
- Reduced mobility (25%)
- Eyesight problems (9%)
- Depression and anxiety (7%)
- Parkinson’s disease (5%)
- Hearing loss (3%)
These figures show that homesharing is not just about convenience, but is increasingly supporting people with complex, long-term conditions.
The average age of a householder is 87, while the average age of a sharer is 41; nearly 89% of sharers say they choose to homeshare because they want to help others.
The benefits of homesharing for older people
Maintaining independence
Homeshare allows older people to stay in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by familiar belongings and memories. This can be especially valuable for those with dementia or cognitive decline.
Companionship and wellbeing
Loneliness is a major concern in later life. Having someone in the home can reduce isolation and improve mental health, and the majority of arrangements lead to genuine friendships across generations.
Practical support
Sharers provide help with everyday tasks such as cooking, gardening, and other household tasks. This type of support can make a big difference to people who are struggling to complete, or would like help with, daily tasks around the home.
Safety and reassurance
Having a trusted person present overnight offers peace of mind. The Share and Care Homeshare 2026 report notes improvements in safety outcomes. For example, 77% of those previously at risk of falling did not experience another fall after a sharer moved in.
Cost-effective support
With rising care costs and limited public funding, homesharing can supplement or delay the need for more expensive care options, such as live-in care or residential care. Homeshare fees are very low, typically around £40 per week.
Potential drawbacks to consider
While homesharing has many advantages, it is not suitable for everyone.
Sharing personal space
Living with another person requires adjustment, and some older people may not feel ready to share their home. However, with a carefully chosen match and clear boundaries, sharing space can bring a renewed sense of comfort. 81% of householders reported feeling comfortable with their sharer either immediately or after a few days (Share and Care Homeshare report, 2026).
Limited care support
Homesharers are not trained carers, and therefore it’s important to not view the sharer’s role as a job. Sharers provide light support and companionship rather than medical or intensive personal care, so their role could be considered similar to a volunteer or a friendly companion. Homesharing does however work very well alongside home care services, and some householders may also have cleaners or gardeners too.
Need for compatibility
The success of a homeshare depends on a good match, and differences in lifestyle, personality, or expectations can affect the arrangement. Reputable homeshare organisations undertake a thorough matching processes to maximise compatibility, often leading to strong, meaningful relationships built on shared interests and mutual respect.
Emotional adjustment
Allowing someone new into your home can feel daunting, particularly at the start, and requires trust and communication. However, with time and support, many householders go on to develop close, supportive bonds with their sharers.
Steps to a safe and successful homeshare
To ensure a safe and successful homeshare arrangement, it is important to follow a structured and supported approach.
Choose a reputable organisation
Choose an established homeshare provider to manage the process professionally. Reputable providers will:
- Carry out background checks on sharers
- Assess the needs of the householder
- Ensure safeguarding standards are met
- Maintain regular communication with the householder and sharer
Ensure a robust matching process
A successful match is key. The best homeshare providers consider lifestyle, personality, interests, and expectations to ensure both parties are compatible; and spend time ensuring that both householder and sharer are well-matched.
Agree on clear terms
Before the arrangement begins, ensure there are clear expectations around:
- Number of hours of support a sharer can offer (typically 10–15 per week)
- Tasks to help with
- House rules and boundaries (on both sides)
- Financial contributions (some sharers make a small contribution towards utilities)
A detailed licence agreement between the householder and sharer will be drawn up by the homeshare provider.
Maintain communication
Regular check-ins, both between the householder and sharer, and the provider, help address any issues early and keep the arrangement running smoothly.
Keep family involved
Family members can play an important role in offering reassurance, supporting decision-making, and helping monitor how the arrangement is working. Where possible and permitted, a homeshare provider will keep family involved and updated too.
Homesharing: growing interest
Homesharing is increasingly seen as a preventative and person-centred approach to supporting people. The 2026 Share and Care Homeshare report highlights how it is helping to reshape expectations of ageing, showing that growing older does not necessarily mean leaving home or losing independence.
By combining practical support, companionship, and affordability, homesharing offers older people a way to remain connected, safe, and in control of their own lives. While it requires careful consideration and the right match, for many it provides a powerful alternative – or addition – to traditional care options, and a chance to build meaningful, life-enhancing relationships across generations. Homeshare helps people not just to live longer at home, but to thrive.
About the author
Caroline Cooke established Share and Care Homeshare in 2006 as a solution to address the challenges her own elderly parents were facing. She recognised the value and importance for them to continue to live in their own home and in their own community. Today, Share and Care Homeshare is the UK’s largest and most experienced homeshare provider.
Caroline is also a Dementia Friends Ambassador committed to delivering Alzheimer’s Society information sessions to help people understand what it’s like to live with dementia.
Recently, Caroline has launched Helpful Homesupport, a community-led service providing reliable, cost-effective live-out support for older people across South West and Central London. Support can include help with cleaning, shopping and meal preparation, accompanying people to appointments, walking the dog, or simply spending time together over a cup of tea.
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