Supporting Patients Whose Needs are Social, not Clinical
GPs, PCNs and social care teams often support people whose challenges are not medical, but still have a significant impact on their health and wellbeing. Loneliness, reduced confidence at home, or a lack of day-to-day support can all contribute to repeat appointments and growing pressure on services.
Homeshare offers a practical, community-based option. The Uk-wide scheme matches older people who have a spare room with carefully vetted younger people who provide companionship and around 10 hours of light practical help each week, in exchange for affordable accommodation. This provides reassurance, connection and everyday support that can help patients remain independent and better supported at home.
Learn more about how Homeshare works →
Why Health Professionals use Homeshare
Homeshare helps address the social factors that influence health outcomes, particularly where patients need support that sits outside clinical care.
It can support:
• patients experiencing loneliness or isolation
• individuals lacking confidence living alone
• those needing light practical help at home
• families concerned about a loved one’s wellbeing
• people at risk of increased service use due to social factors
Homeshare can support patients at different points in their care pathway, particularly where non-clinical needs are influencing outcomes.
• social prescribing pathways
• community and primary care settings
• early intervention scenarios
• hospital discharge conversations
Supporting Primary Care Teams
Homeshare can support GPs and PCNs by helping address the non-clinical factors that often sit behind repeat appointments. By introducing a simple, community-based option, it can help:
• reduce avoidable repeat visits linked to loneliness or lack of support
• support patients to remain independent at home
• provide reassurance for patients and their families
• complement existing primary care and community services
Which Patients may Benefit
Homeshare can be a helpful option for patients where social factors such as loneliness or lack of support at home are impacting their wellbeing. It may be particularly relevant for patients who:
• are experiencing loneliness or social isolation
• attend appointments frequently where underlying needs are non-clinical
• suffer from early-onset dementia or have mobility issues
• need light practical support to remain independent
Homeshare offers GPs and PCNs a practical way to support patients whose needs are social rather than clinical. It provides a preventative, person-centred option that complements existing services, helping to support independence at home and reduce avoidable pressure on already stretched teams. While not a personal or medical care service, Homeshare can provide meaningful everyday support that helps prevent issues from escalating.
"We’re pleased to be partnering with Two Generations to make
Homeshare widely available for the benefit of everyone across our
three boroughs. Two Generations is the perfect partner to deliver this
service as one of various tools to help combat loneliness and provide
key support at home. They encapsulate the same values and warmth
towards all their clients as us, and we're very happy to work with them
to provide Homeshare to our communities."
Julian, CEO, Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent
Referring someone to Homeshare
If you support an older person who may benefit from companionship and light practical help at home, introducing them to Homeshare is simple.
Step 1 – Share the idea
If someone you support is feeling isolated, less confident at home, or looking for a way to remain independent for longer, you can introduce Homeshare as one possible option.
Step 2 – Put them in touch with us
You can either share our details directly with the individual, or make an introduction to our team by email or phone call.
Step 3 – We take it from there
If Homeshare seems like a good fit, our team will talk things through, answer any questions, carry out the necessary assessments and guide the person through the next steps with care and sensitivity.
We are always happy to have an initial conversation if you would like to discuss whether Homeshare may be appropriate for someone you support.
To get in touch click here or email contact@twogenerations or call 03333 44 77 38
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