How a simple idea is improving wellbeing, independence and peace of mind

Across the UK, GP practices are seeing more elderly patients whose challenges are not primarily medical but social: loneliness, anxiety about living alone and low‑level domestic difficulties. These issues often lead to repeat GP appointments and early escalation to formal care services. Supporting people to remain independent at home for longer leads to better outcomes for everyone.

Homeshare is a promising non‑clinical intervention available to primary care teams. It’s simple, safe and effective. And for many families, it offers a sense of relief that is both human and practical.

This guide explains what Homeshare is, who it’s suitable for, how safeguarding works and what outcomes GP practices and families can expect.

What is Homeshare?

Homeshare pairs an older person (householder) who has a spare room with a carefully vetted adult (sharer) who needs affordable accommodation. In exchange for low‑cost rent, the Homesharer provides companionship and around 10 hours a week of practical support such as cooking, shopping, light housework, or simply being present in the home.

It is not a replacement for personal care or clinical support. Instead, it fills the gap between living alone without support and needing formal care services.

Who is Homeshare suitable for?

Homeshare works best for people who:

• Feel lonely or isolated, especially in the evenings
• Would benefit from regular company and reassurance
• Have low‑level practical needs (e.g., help with meals, tidying, errands, digital)
• Want to stay in their own home but don’t yet need domiciliary care
• Have a spare room and are open to sharing their home with the right person

It can be particularly helpful for:

• Older adults living alone
• People with mild frailty
• Individuals with early‑stage cognitive decline who remain capable of independent decision‑making
• Adults with disabilities who need companionship rather than personal care
• Carers who need peace of mind that their loved one isn’t alone overnight

Homeshare is not suitable for people who require personal care, medication administration, or high‑level safeguarding oversight. In these cases, regulated care services remain the appropriate route.

Safeguarding: how Homeshare keeps people safe

Understandably, families and clinicians often ask the same question: “Is it safe to bring someone into the home?”

Homeshare programmes operate with robust safeguarding frameworks designed to protect both the Householder and the Homesharer. These typically include:

1. Comprehensive vetting

• Enhanced DBS checks
• Multiple references
• In‑depth interviews
• Assessment of motivation, lifestyle and expectations

2. Home assessments

Providers check the home to ensure it is safe, suitable and appropriate for a shared living arrangement.

3. Clear agreements

A written agreement outlines:

• Boundaries
• Responsibilities
• Prohibited activities
• Expectations around privacy, visitors and household routines

This is not a tenancy; it’s a supported arrangement with a clear structure.

4. Ongoing monitoring

Providers maintain regular contact with both parties, especially in the early months. Any concerns can be escalated quickly and safely.

5. Support if things change

If the match stops working, providers step in to mediate or end the arrangement safely.

For GP practices, this means Homeshare can be recommended with confidence as a well‑supported intervention.

What outcomes can patients and families expect?

The benefits of Homeshare are consistently positive across the UK and internationally:

1. Reduced loneliness and improved mood

Many participants report feeling more confident, more connected, and less anxious. It can be as simple as someone to chat to over a cup of tea, someone who notices if you’re not yourself; these have a measurable positive impact on wellbeing. 

2. Increased sense of safety

Knowing someone else is in the home overnight can reduce fear of falls, break‑ins or medical emergencies. Families often describe a sense of relief that is hard to quantify but easy to recognise.

3. Practical support that makes daily life easier

Homesharers typically help with:

• Light cooking
• Tidying
• Shopping
• Technology support
• Occasional errands

These small tasks can make a big difference to someone living alone.

4. Delayed need for formal care

By providing companionship and low‑level support, Homeshare can help people remain independent for longer, reducing pressure on families and the health system.

5. Reduced GP appointments for non‑clinical issues

Many repeat consultations stem from loneliness, anxiety or social needs. Homeshare addresses these root causes, freeing up clinical time.

How GP Practices can use Homeshare

Homeshare fits naturally within social prescribing pathways. GP practices can:

• Refer patients to local Homeshare providers or national networks
• Discuss Homeshare as part of anticipatory care planning
• Suggest it to families exploring alternatives to early domiciliary care
• Use it as a preventative option for patients at risk of isolation or frailty

Social Prescribing Link Workers are often the best first point of contact as they can explore suitability and support the referral.

A small idea with a big impact

Homeshare is about connection. It’s about recognising that many of the challenges older adults face are not medical – they’re social, emotional and practical. And sometimes the most effective intervention is simply another person.

Speak to the team about our Homeshare programme.

Choosing the right support for an older adult can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing independence, safety, cost and emotional well-being. For many families, the decision becomes clearer when they focus on whether the person needs companionship and light help, or care. Once that distinction is made, the path forward is easier to navigate.

Homeshare and Live‑in Care are two models that enable someone to remain in their own home. They differ significantly in cost, level of support and suitability for different needs. Understanding these differences can help families and professionals make confident, informed decisions.

What Homeshare offers

Homeshare brings together an older person or someone with disabilities who has a spare room with a younger adult looking for affordable accommodation. Through our Two Generations programme, every match begins with thorough safeguarding checks and a careful matching process, followed by ongoing support throughout the arrangement. In return for low‑cost housing, the sharer offers companionship, an overnight presence and around ten hours a week of help with everyday household tasks. While the older householder gains friendship, reassurance and practical support, the younger sharer benefits from a welcoming home for approximately £350 per month.

However, Homeshare is not a regulated care service, and sharers do not provide personal care, medication support or clinical tasks. The model focuses on reducing loneliness, offering reassurance and helping with day‑to‑day living. For older adults who are largely independent but would benefit from company and a bit of help, Homeshare can be transformative.

“Having a sharer has made me feel safe….. If I didn’t have Dela I wouldn’t be able to stay in this house. We both care about each other and we both joke with each other, we chat together, it’s just so natural.” Sheila, Householder, Bournemouth.

Homeshare can often work alongside other care and communiy services. So householders can still benefit from care services or care visits whilst having a Sharer living with them for an overnight presence.

What Live‑in Care provides

Live‑in Care is a very different model. A trained professional carer moves into the home and provides round‑the‑clock support, tailored to the individual’s needs. This can include personal care, mobility assistance, medication management, meal preparation, household tasks and specialist care.

Live‑in Care is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This means carers are trained, supervised and accountable, and families have the reassurance of a regulated service. Costs are higher than Homeshare, typically £1,200–£1,500 per week for standard support, rising with complexity.

For older adults with minimal care needs, Homeshare offers excellent value. For those with moderate to high needs, Live‑in Care is the more appropriate service.

Comparing support levels

For someone who is lonely, anxious at night, or struggling with small tasks, Homeshare can be life‑enhancing. For someone who needs help getting out of bed, managing medication, or staying safe, Live‑in Care is essential. The key distinction between the two models is the type and intensity of support.

Homeshare provides:

• Companionship
• Light household help
• A reassuring presence overnight
• Social connection and reduced isolation

Live‑in Care provides:

• Personal care (washing, dressing, toileting)
• Medication support
• Mobility assistance
• Specialist care for complex conditions
• Full household support
• 24‑hour supervision

Some Practical Considerations 

Safety and Regulation

Homeshare programmes include safeguarding checks but are not regulated care. Live‑in Care is fully regulated, which may be essential for adults with vulnerabilities or complex needs.

Home Environment

Homeshare requires a spare room and a willingness to share living space. Live‑in Care also requires a room for the carer but does not involve the same level of shared living.

Future Needs

Homeshare works best when needs are stable, or when working alongside other care or community services, such as morning and evening visits.  If an older adult’s needs are likely to increase, families and social workers should plan for a potential transition to Live‑in Care or another regulated service.

Making the right choice

“We’ve seen a huge difference in her confidence. She is definitely no longer lonely, they make a great team!” Daughter of Lynn, Householder, Richmond

There is no one‑size‑fits‑all answer. The right option depends on the older person’s needs, preferences, home environment and financial situation. Homeshare can be a wonderful early‑intervention model, and it can work alongside daily care visits and keep someone connected, active and independent. Live‑in Care offers peace of mind, safety and comprehensive support for those who need it.

The Social Care Institute of Excellence has published an excellent guide to Homeshare programmes (link), or speak to the team to find out more about the Two Generations Homeshare programme.

As winter approaches, the days become shorter, darker, and colder. Fears of falling and health concerns can make outings difficult for older adults. This often leads to staying indoors and having fewer social interactions. The reduction in contact increases the risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.  

It also heightens feelings of isolation and loneliness. According to Age UK, approximately 940,000 people aged 65 and over frequently experience social isolation and loneliness. Maintaining consistent social contact is essential for emotional well-being; however, adverse weather, shorter days, and overstretched public services often hinder opportunities for those connections.

This makes winter a particularly challenging time for the elderly and their loved ones. 

How Homeshare can help

Homesharing is a scheme that pairs a Householder, an older person with a spare room, with a vetted Sharer who provides live-in companionship and light support in exchange for affordable accommodation.

Services like homeshare offer a practical solution to winter loneliness. By pairing older adults with younger residents or others seeking affordable housing, homeshare fosters companionship, offers considerate support, and helps older householders feel more connected and secure within their homes.

Two Generations provides this service to individuals and organisations, supporting employees in managing their eldercare responsibilities while building stronger, more connected communities.

Homeshare benefits

• For Householders: It offers independence, companionship, and peace of mind.
• For Families: It reduces caring responsibilities and reassures loved ones about their safety and well-being.
• For Sharers: It provides affordable accommodation with a purpose and companionship.

Addressing loneliness amongst the elderly, especially during the winter, requires innovative solutions. Offering companionship through homeshare can transform winter from a period of isolation into one of warmth, company, and care. 

You can read testimonials from Householders and their families, and Homesharers here. Or get in touch with the team to find out more.

Organisations are looking at innovative ways to support their employees’ well-being and stability. Many employees have caring responsibilities for both children and elderly relatives – the sandwich generation. This can impact their work and their health. Homeshare schemes offer support to those workers and are a valuable addition to an organisation’s employee benefits package. 

Eight reasons HR should be considering integrating homeshare into their benefits package:

1. Reduces absenteeism

Supporting employees with caring responsibilities helps decrease unplanned leave; carers in the UK miss an average of 15 days of work annually (Carers UK).

2. Increases workforce stability

Around 60% of UK carers consider leaving their jobs due to a lack of flexible support, risking the loss of valuable skills (CIPD).

3. Improves productivity

Employees who receive support are 16% more likely to meet performance targets, according to research by Mind, the mental health charity.

4. Boosts employee engagement and morale

58% of UK employees say work-life balance significantly affects their wellbeing, and supportive policies improve morale (CIPD).

5. Promotes a positive workplace culture

Organisations known for caring policies and supportive benefits are 24% more likely to report higher employee engagement and satisfaction levels (CIPD)

6. Reduces recruitment and training costs

Replacing a skilled employee can cost up to 200% of their annual salary; retention through supportive schemes minimises these costs (CIPD).

7. Enhances employer brand

According to a 2023 survey by Willis Towers Watson, organisations with comprehensive wellbeing programmes are 34% more likely to attract top talent and report higher employer brand reputations.

8. Supports workforce longevity

UK demographic shifts are leading to a rapidly aging population; by 2040, one in seven people will be aged 75 or over, increasing caregiving demands and the need for workforce support (Government Office for Science).

Integrating homeshare schemes into your benefits offering helps both employees and their employers. It fosters a resilient workforce and positions your organisation as a caring leader.

Two Generations can help

Learn more about our employee benefits offering here or speak to the team today about how Two Generations can help your organisation better support caregiving employees.

Call us now on 03333 44 7738.

The UK is facing an affordable accommodation crisis, driven by rising housing costs, limited supply, and stagnant wages. In July, the government introduced a 5-step plan aimed at revitalising social and affordable housing over the next decade. However, with the prospect of the Autumn Budget potentially causing more disruption to the housing market, innovative solutions are needed now to address affordable housing.

One promising approach is the promotion of mixed-generation households, such as our Homeshare scheme. At Two Generations, we match people who live alone and have a spare room with younger individuals who can provide an overnight presence, companionship, and assistance with household chores. This model makes better use of spare rooms, offers mutual support, and helps combat social isolation and financial strain. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), over the past 12 months, housing costs have risen by 5.5%, outpacing income growth and making affordable housing more elusive.

Our model also benefits the Homesharers by reducing loneliness. Age UK recently reported that 1.4 million older people experience loneliness, a shocking statistic. Sharing a home nurtures social connections and emotional support. Moreover, it reassures families that their elderly relatives can remain in familiar surroundings, supporting their independence and enabling them to stay in their own homes longer. 

Home sharing is a practical and sustainable solution to housing affordability, social isolation, and empty spare rooms—crucial as we work towards a more inclusive and resilient housing market. 

How Homeshare works

Many older people have a spare bedroom that can accommodate a Homesharer who can provide companionship and light support. It can be as simple as having a trusted person in the home at night or sharing a meal regularly.

“We’ve seen a huge difference in her confidence. She is definitely no longer lonely; they make a great team!” Daughter of Lynn, Householder, Richmond

You can read more testimonials from Householders and their families, and Homesharers here. Or get in touch with the team to find out more.

The population is aging, public funding is stretched, and families are having to step in.

The Family Resources Survey estimates there are 5.4 million informal carers in 2023/24. These numbers highlight the scale of unpaid care provided, with millions of individuals supporting family members and friends, particularly the elderly. A significant proportion of these carers will be working for SMEs (in 2024, SMEs employed 16.6 million people in the UK). 

The number of working carers is set to rise; SMEs will need to be prepared.

What SMEs can do

An eldercare strategy will help organisations retain valued employees (especially women 45-60), maintain productivity, and reduce staff turnover costs in the years ahead. 

Eldercare requires a different approach to childcare. It is complex, difficult to plan for, and often it’s not local. It can also be hidden; we are aware of our colleagues’ children, but not necessarily their elderly relatives. This means that employees won’t always identify as carers or know how to ask for help. 

We have produced a guide specifically designed for SMEs using a low-admin practical approach.

Benefits for early adopters

The long-term winners are SMEs that address the issue early and engage in an ongoing conversation with their employees about the support they need. 

Benefits:

• Retention of experienced staff in at-risk roles
• Reduction in last-minute absences
• Improved focus and productivity
• Lower stress levels and improved work-life balance
• A more loyal workforce

Two Generations SME Homeshare model

Two Generations helps employers support working carers through Homeshare, a managed, safeguarding-first service that provides reliable, affordable support at home for employees’ older relatives. Designed for 50-300 employees, our SME model has UK-wide access, an annual management fee, and a 50% employee discount for those who use the scheme. 

Contact us for a consultation.

Companies have realised the benefits of offering childcare support, so why not eldercare? 

The 2021 ONS census for England and Wales found that nearly 10% of the workforce are carers, while 38% of the workforce are working parents, often, they’re both. Yet while the majority of UK companies offer childcare support, only 14% offer adult carer support (REBA article). 

Why does this matter? 

The bottom line: Employers for Carers, calculated that the impact of staff turnover, absence, and stress due to juggling work and caring is costing UK businesses over £8.2 billion per year. With better support for carers, businesses could save up to £4.8 billion a year in unplanned absences and £3.4 billion in improved employee retention (EfC: Business Case).

Eldercare is unpredictable and rarely structured: emergencies, hospital visits, and the emotional strain are harder to “plan around” than childcare.

The sandwich generation: employees (especially women aged 35–55) are burning out, reducing hours, or leaving altogether.

Organisations can take the lead on eldercare

Carers are often hidden in the workforce, particularly those caring for elderly relatives and friends. The benefits of supporting these employees are proven: increased productivity, retaining talent, and a more inclusive culture. One way to recognise and support your employees’ caring roles is to provide access to professional care advice and practical support through your employee benefits package. 

Offer peace of mind

The Two Generations Homeshare scheme is a UK-wide scheme that helps employees connect their elderly relatives with vetted live-in companions. Through our scheme, employees can arrange for a carefully vetted sharer to provide live-in companionship and support for an elderly relative.

From initial setup to ongoing support, we handle every detail, ensuring a hassle-free experience for both employers and employees.  

Benefits of Homeshare for employers:

• Retains top talent & reduces absenteeism
• Improves productivity & well-being
• Strengthens DEI efforts
• Minimal admin – employees contract directly with Two Generations

Learn more about our corporate offering here or speak to the team today about how Two Generations can help your organisation better support caregiving employees.

Call us now on 03333 44 7738.

We have seen an increased uptake in our Homeshare service; our testimonials show why.

“My sharer is just perfect. We are such a wonderful fit together, I couldn’t be happier.” Lilas, Perth

Combatting loneliness is often a big part of the appeal of a homeshare arrangement. Age UK published a study on loneliness at the end of 2024, which found:

• 7% (1 in 14 people) aged 65+ equivalent to 940,000 older people in the UK are often lonely.

• 270,000 older people (aged 65+) in England go a week without speaking to a friend or family member (3%, or around 1 in 40 people aged 65+).
• People who go a week without speaking to a friend or family member are almost three times more likely to be lonely than people who speak to friends and family more often.

This matters because: 

• Loneliness is linked with the acceleration of frailty and increased risk of physical and mental illness, including a 29% increase in risk of incident coronary heart disease, a 32% increase in risk of stroke and a 25% increased risk of dementia.

• Loneliness is linked with increased risk of mental illness, including depression and anxiety.

• Nine in 10 older people who are often lonely are also unhappy or depressed, compared to four in 10 of those who are hardly ever lonely.

(Age UK link to findings and how to combat loneliness)

How Homeshare helps

Many older people have a spare bedroom that can accommodate a Homesharer who can provide companionship and light support. It can be as simple as having a trusted person in the home at night or sharing a meal regularly.

“We’ve seen a huge difference in her confidence. She is definitely no longer lonely; they make a great team!” Daughter of Lynn, Householder, Richmond

You can read more testimonials from Householders and their families, and Homesharers here. Or get in touch with the team to find out more.

A recent study by PwC, Women in Work 2025, calculated that increases in women’s participation in the workforce contributed to a productivity uplift of 0.30% per year, an approximate UK GDP increase of £6.2bn a year. This is talent that many businesses will want to access and benefit from. Yet significant barriers remain as women in their critical career advancement phase often find themselves juggling caregiving responsibilities for children and elderly relatives. 

The Glass Ceiling in Action

At the point of earning promotions and taking leadership roles:

• women are 7X more likely than men to leave work for caregiving (TUC, 2023)
• 1.46M women can’t work due to family duties (TUC, 2023)
• 84% of “sandwich carers” (work, kids, aging parents) are women (Age UK, 2022)

What Can Businesses Do?

Businesses recognise the value in a diverse workforce and are looking for ways to better support their people. Until recently the focus has been on childcare provisions;  eldercare is less visible and more complicated. And there isn’t a one size fits all here. Flexible working arrangements and unpaid leave is one approach many businesses are now taking. Great in a crisis, but probably not suitable for all ongoing caring needs. 

Another practical option is Homesharing,  a scheme that carefully pairs a householder (an older person with a spare room) with a vetted sharer who provides live-in companionship and light support in exchange for affordable accommodation.

Two Generations

Our Homeshare scheme offers a unique corporate benefit connecting employees’ elderly relatives with vetted live-in companions – creating peace of mind. 

Benefits for Employers:

• retain top talent & reduce absenteeism
• improve productivity & well-being
• Strengthen DEI efforts
• minimal admin—employees contract directly with Two Generations

Speak to the team today about how Two Generations can help your organisation support caregiving employees.

Call us now on 03333 44 7738.

We’re thrilled that our Head of Service Delivery, Lisa Goldsobel, recently joined Avivah Wittenberg-Cox on her Elderberries podcast to discuss one of today’s most pressing and overlooked challenges: the growing need for eldercare — and its impact on families, communities, and the workplace.

Avivah, a globally recognized thought leader on gender and generational balance, continues to lead the conversation on the future of work, the longevity economy, and the promise of 60-year careers.

Together, Avivah and Lisa explored how intergenerational living can help address two critical issues at once: the isolation often faced by older adults and the lack of affordable housing for younger generations.

Lisa shares her experiences of working closely with families that have used Two Generations homeshare, offering an honest look into the realities and rewards of intergenerational living.

🎧 Listen to the episode here:

A big thank you to Avivah for creating space for these stories and for her ongoing support of Two Generations as an ambassador.