The UK’s population is aging rapidly. In 2022, approximately 12.7 million people were aged 65 or over, making up 19% of the population. By 2072, this number is predicted to rise by 27% of the population, around 22.1 million people.
As this shift in the population occurs families are facing the growing challenges of providing care and support for their older relatives. However, traditional care options, such as care homes or live-in carers can be costly, inflexible, and can take an emotional and financial toll on both the older generation and their loved ones.
Homeshare’s are becoming a popular alternative, offering a more cost effective, flexible solution that enables older adults to keep their independence, as well as improve their well being.
The Growing Challenge of Elderly Care in the UK
By 2025, more employees will be caring for an elderly relative than for a child. With approximately 15.6 million adults in the UK aged between 40-60, the burden of caregiving is becoming increasingly evident:
- 6 million people worry about how to support their aging parents
- 5 million struggle financially and with balancing work responsibilities alongside caregiving
- 600 people leave work daily to care for an elderly relative, costing UK employers approximately £4.8 billion annually in lost productivity and absenteeism.
With the rising financial and emotional strain on families, organisations such as TwoGens provide a practical solution that keeps elderly individuals in their own homes for longer while fostering meaningful companionship through the introduction of a homeshare.
What Is a Homeshare?
A Homeshare is a unique concept that brings together two generations to create a mutually beneficial living arrangement:
- The Householder – An older adult with a spare room who wants companionship and support.
- The Homesharer – A carefully vetted individual who provides approximately 10 hours of assistance per week in exchange for affordable accommodation.
Unlike live-in carers, Homesharers do not provide personal or medical care. Instead, they help with everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, IT support, and general companionship.
Comparing Homeshare to Traditional Care Options
| Care Option | Cost | Independence | Companionship | Flexibility |
| Care Home | £800–£1,500 per week | Limited | Varies | Low |
| Live-In Care | £1,000–£1,800 per week | Moderate | High | Low |
| Homeshare | £5.50 per day | High | High | High |
For just £5.50 per day, Homeshare offers a highly affordable solution, providing companionship and assistance while allowing older individuals to remain in familiar surroundings.
The Benefits of Homeshare for Families and Employers
- For Families:
- Provides peace of mind knowing their loved one has support and companionship.
- Reduces the financial strain associated with full-time carers or residential care.
- Offers a flexible solution tailored to individual needs.
- For Employers:
- Helps employees balance work and caregiving, reducing stress and absenteeism.
- Supports diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives by acknowledging caregiving responsibilities.
- Enhances employee retention and satisfaction, leading to increased productivity.
How Homeshare Works
The process is simple and designed with safety and suitability in mind:
- Initial Inquiry – Families or Householders reach out to understand if a Homeshare setup would be right for them.
- Matching Process – We carefully vet and select a suitable Homesharer.
- Interviews & Safeguarding Checks – Both parties meet, with DBS checks and references conducted.
- Trial Period – A one-month trial period is introduced in order to ensure that both parties are happy with the parnership.
- Ongoing Support – Continuous monitoring and assistance from our team to ensure a smooth Homeshare experience.
A Future-Proof Solution for Elderly Care
As the UK faces an increasing demand for elderly care, solutions like Homeshare are paving the way for a more sustainable, person-centered approach, that are available at much lower costs.
For any enquires regarding our services please get in touch.
