We’re supposed to be more connected than ever, yet a quiet epidemic is unfolding across the UK. For many older adults, later life brings a shrinking social circle that has profound consequences for their happiness and health.

While loneliness is the emotional ache we feel when we lack company, social isolation is the objective state of having few social contacts. And it doesn’t just affect the mind; it profoundly impacts our health.

In the UK, over 2 million people aged 75 and over live alone. While many enjoy their independence, there’s a fine line between living solo and becoming socially isolated. At Two Generations, we see daily how the transition from coping to struggling happens in the quiet spaces of a lonely home.

For families, GPs, and social workers, understanding the physiological and psychological impact of isolation is the first step toward finding a sustainable solution.

The physicality of loneliness

It’s easy to view isolation as a purely emotional issue, but research suggests otherwise. Social isolation is now recognised as a major public health risk, comparable to well-known lifestyle factors.

• Cardiovascular strain: Research, including data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), indicates that social isolation is associated with a significantly increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Without regular, meaningful interaction, the body remains in a heightened state of hyper-vigilance, increasing cortisol levels and causing persistent inflammation. 
• Cognitive decline and dementia: A study published by The Lancet Commission on Dementia identified social isolation as a key modifiable risk factor for the condition. The mental agility required to navigate a conversation – to interpret tone, remember context and formulate a response – acts as a protective buffer against cognitive decay.
• Increased mortality: The statistics are stark: prolonged isolation is widely cited as being as detrimental to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It’s more predictive of early death than physical inactivity or obesity. This death by a thousand silences occurs because no one is present to notice the subtle signs of declining health or to encourage healthy habits.

The quiet signs

In the UK, the cultural value placed on “not being a bother” often masks isolation. Many older people take pride in their independence, yet this same self-sufficiency can lead to withdrawal. For professionals and families, the signs of isolation are not always obvious. We look for a crisis like a fall, but the early indicators are often more subtle:

• A kitchen that is no longer used for cooking.
• The “revolving door” of minor medical complaints that mask a need for contact.
• A gradual decline in personal grooming or the maintenance of a home.
• Unopened mail or neglected gardens.
• Passing up invitations they used to enjoy.

Addressing the hidden impact of isolation requires a shift from viewing it as a personal misfortune to recognising it as a public health priority. Solutions often involve moving beyond simple check-ins toward meaningful relationships.

Homeshare is one practical solution

Traditional care isn’t always the answer, especially when an older adult is still physically capable but becoming vulnerable due to isolation. This is where the Homeshare model provides a bridge.

For Families: Peace of mind

Homeshare matches an older person (the Householder) with a younger person (the Homesharer). The younger person provides 10 hours of help a week – cooking, light cleaning, or tech support – but more importantly, they provide overnight presence and companionship.

For GPs & social prescribers: A non-clinical intervention

By referring patients to a Homeshare scheme, GPs can address the root cause of frequent appointments. Unlike live-in care, Homeshare is based on mutual benefit and companionship, which preserves the Householder’s dignity and independence.

Moving beyond “I’m fine”

In the UK, the “stiff upper lip” often prevents older adults from asking for help. They don’t want to be a burden to their children or their doctor.

We must shift the conversation from care to connection. Companionship isn’t a luxury; it’s a clinical necessity. Whether it’s through local community groups or a Homeshare match, ensuring our older generation remains seen, heard and supported is the most effective medicine we have.

How to Refer

If you are a professional or a family member concerned about an older adult living alone, you can learn more about how we can work with you at Two Generations. Together, we can turn a quiet house back into a shared home.

“I’m fine, just keeping quiet,” is a phrase many of us hear regularly during weekly phone calls. But loneliness and social isolation have a habit of creeping in softly. An older adult rarely announces that they are lonely; instead, they slowly adapt to a shrinking world.

Isolation isn’t just an empty calendar,  it can be a subtle change in routine, a messy kitchen, or a phone call that ends just a little too quickly. At Two Generations, we see firsthand how life-changing companionship can be. However, before families can step in to help, they first need to recognise the hidden signs that a loved one is becoming isolated.

Here is what to look out for and how to navigate these delicate conversations sensitively.

Spotting the quiet shift toward isolation

1. Changes in routine and unopened mail

One of the earliest signs of isolation is a disruption in long-held habits. If your loved one used to take pride in a tidy garden or walking down to the local paper shop every morning, notice if those activities have stopped.

When you visit, take a quick glance around. Is there a pile of unopened mail on the side? Are the curtains staying drawn later into the day? A home that suddenly feels neglected often reflects an owner who is starting to feel disconnected from the world outside their front door.

2. Neglecting personal care and the home

When we don’t expect to see anyone, the motivation to keep up with daily tasks can slip away.

• Appetite and food: Check the fridge. Are there expired items, or is it remarkably empty? Cooking a full meal can feel pointless when you are eating alone every day. You might notice subtle weight loss or a reliance on tea and toast.
• Appearance: Notice if they are wearing the same clothes across multiple days, or if their personal hygiene seems to be slipping. It is rarely a sign of laziness; rather, it is often a symptom of low mood brought on by spending too much time alone.

3. The “Over-Communicator” or the “Ghost”

Pay close attention to how your loved one behaves on the phone or during visits. Isolation typically pushes communication to one of two extremes:

• The Over-Communicator: When you do call, they might talk rapidly, struggle to let the conversation end, or repeat the same stories multiple times. This happens because you might be the only person they have spoken to in days, and they are trying to stretch out the interaction.
• The Ghost: Alternatively, they may become withdrawn. If they cut calls short, stop answering the phone, or make excuses to avoid family gatherings (“It’s too much fuss,” or “I’m too tired”), they may be retreating into their isolation.

4. Significant life or health changes

Isolation rarely happens in a vacuum; a specific event usually triggers it. Families should be on high alert following:

• Bereavement: Losing a spouse, a close lifelong friend, or a cherished pet can instantly shatter an older person’s daily social framework.
• Giving up driving: Losing a driving licence is a massive blow to independence. Suddenly, a trip to the supermarket or a coffee morning requires planning, public transport, or asking for favours, things many older adults avoid out of a desire not to be a “burden.”
• Hearing loss or mobility issues: Struggling to hear makes noisy social environments exhausting and embarrassing. If your loved one is constantly asking people to repeat themselves, they may choose to stay home simply because it is easier than trying to follow a conversation.

How families can open the conversation

If you notice these signs, bringing up loneliness with an older relative can feel intrusive. Many older adults prize independence and privacy, so a direct question like “Are you lonely?” can often cause them to shut down or insist they are completely fine.

Here are a few strategies to help you navigate this tricky conversation with sensitivity.

1. The “side-by-side” approach

Direct, eye-to-eye conversations across a kitchen table can sometimes feel like an interrogation. Instead, try raising the topic while you are both engaged in a shared task where your eyes are focused elsewhere.

• Good moments: Driving in the car, doing the washing up together, or going for a walk.
• Why it works: It lowers the emotional intensity and allows for natural pauses. If they feel uncomfortable, neither of you is trapped under a direct gaze.

2. Shift the focus to an external trigger

Instead of putting the spotlight on them right away, use a neutral subject to start the conversation. This removes any sense of personal failure or vulnerability on their part.

For example, you could talk about recent changes in their local area, or what local friends have been up to. This allows them to comment on the neighbourhood rather than admitting to their own personal isolation. Their answers will often give you a clue as to how they are really feeling.

3. Ask about specifics, not generalities

When we ask “How are you?”, the default reflex is “I’m fine.” To get a true picture, ask specific questions about their daily interactions without making them feel cross-examined.

• Instead of: “Have you seen anyone this week?”
• Try: “How was the local shop when you went down on Tuesday? Was it busy?”
• Instead of: “Are you eating properly?”
• Try: “What did you make yourself for dinner last night? Any good suggestions?”

4. Frame their socialising as a favour to you

Older adults often worry about becoming a burden to their families. You can flip this dynamic by framing a social activity as something that would help you out or give you peace of mind.

Rather than suggesting they join a local club to get out of the house, you could mention how much better you would feel knowing they were enjoying a local club while you are stuck at work.

Validate, don’t try to fix immediately

If they do open up and admit that the days feel long or that they miss having company, resist the urge to jump in with an immediate list of solutions.

First validate their feelings: “I can see why you feel that way; it must be really quiet around here during the week.” Once they feel heard and understood, they will be much more open to exploring gentle options – like looking into community transport, local clubs, or chatting about how a homeshare program works.

How Homesharing helps

For many families, busy schedules and distance mean it is simply not possible to be there as often as you want. This is where Two Generations can make a profound difference.

Our Homesharing programme matches older householders who have a spare room with a carefully vetted, friendly homesharer. In exchange for affordable accommodation, the homesharer provides 10 hours of companionship and light help around the house each week, whether that’s sharing an evening meal, helping with a bit of tech setup, or simply being a reassuring presence in the home at night.

It perfectly bridges the gap between total independence and formal care, ensuring your loved one always has someone to talk to, laugh with, and look out for them.

Loneliness doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of growing older. By spotting the signs early and approaching the conversation with care, we can help our loved ones stay connected, valued, and safe in the homes they love. Contact us to day to find out more 

As established community leaders, UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are beginning to consider how they can better support their employees with caring responsibilities for older relatives and friends. With forecasts showing nearly one in four people will be over 65 by 2040 and the demand for adult social care soaring (International Longevity Centre UK), SMEs can demonstrate their commitment to their community’s resilience by addressing the growing eldercare gap.

Community anchors

Supporting employees with eldercare needs embeds SMEs deeper in their local communities. By implementing flexible working arrangements, providing caregiving resources, and fostering a culture of understanding, SMEs demonstrate that they are compassionate and forward-thinking organisations that care for their staff and wider communities.

Key benefits for SMEs include:

• Building community trust: ongoing commitment to employee welfare enhances the company’s standing in the local area.
• Increased employee loyalty and engagement: supporting policies that foster a deeper sense of loyalty, reducing turnover, and strengthening workforce stability.
• Boosting employer brand: demonstrating leadership in social responsibility attracts talent, customers, and partners who value community-minded businesses.
• Driving business resilience: a healthier, more engaged workforce means increased productivity and adaptability in changing times.

Building on their existing leadership role, SMEs that support their employees’ eldercare responsibilities will improve well-being and strengthen community bonds. As demographics change, eldercare support is also a strategic move for sustainable SME growth.

Working together, SMEs and communities can better navigate these future social challenges.

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.

As this year’s Dementia Action Week in May encourages more conversations about diagnosis, support and living well with dementia, we’re sharing how Homeshare can support people living with early memory problems to stay independent, confident and connected at home.

For many older adults, the first signs of memory change or early-onset dementia are subtle: missing appointments, forgetting meals, or uncertainty about whether they locked the front door. These early shifts don’t necessarily mean someone needs formal care, but they can signal that living alone is becoming more stressful and less secure.

Homeshare can offer a gentle, practical layer of support – one that helps people with early memory problems stay independent, confident, and connected in their own homes. As the son of one of our Householder’s told us, “Two Generations helped my mother as dementia slowly took hold. I remain grateful for the peace of mind they gave me and the comfort and fun that my mother had with her Homesharer.”

Why Homeshare works well for early memory problems and early-onset dementia

Homeshare pairs an older adult with a carefully matched Sharer who provides companionship and 10 hours of practical help each week in exchange for affordable accommodation. For people experiencing early memory issues, this arrangement can make a meaningful difference:

1. Supporting daily routines and reducing risks

Early memory problems often affect the small but essential routines that keep someone safe and well. A Sharer can help by:

• Providing gentle reminders about meals, hydration, and appointments
• Noticing when routines slip and offering practical support to keep the day on track
• Helping with light household tasks that may become overwhelming or easily forgotten
• Offering a reassuring presence that reduces the risk of confusion around daily tasks

This support is not clinical or supervisory – it’s the kind of everyday help that prevents small lapses from becoming bigger problems.

2. Safety and confidence at home

Memory changes can increase anxiety, especially around safety. Many older adults begin to worry about:

• Leaving appliances on
• Losing keys
• Forgetting to lock doors
• Feeling confused at night

A Sharer’s presence can provide immediate reassurance, particularly in the evenings when anxiety tends to rise. Evidence from Homeshare programmes shows that overnight reassurance is one of the main benefits for people with early memory loss, helping them feel secure without needing formal care.

3. Reducing isolation and supporting emotional well-being

Memory problems can lead to withdrawal from social activities, especially if the person feels embarrassed or worried about “getting things wrong.” Homeshare can help by:

• Providing daily companionship and conversation
• Encouraging engagement in familiar routines and hobbies
• Reducing the emotional impact of living alone
• Helping rebuild confidence after a fall, bereavement, or hospital stay

Families often tell us that their loved one becomes more relaxed and sociable once a Sharer moves in.

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

4. Supporting independence for longer

Homeshare is particularly valuable for people who:

• Want to remain in their own home
• Are not ready for residential care
• Need light support rather than personal care
• Benefit from structure, reassurance, and social connection

By stabilising daily routines and reducing risks, Homeshare can help delay or avoid the need for more intrusive services.

When Homeshare works well for early memory problems

Homeshare is most effective when the person:

• Has mild memory problems or early‑stage dementia
• Can manage personal care independently
• Understands and agrees to the arrangement
• Has a suitable home environment (including a spare room)
• Is open to sharing their space with another adult

Homeshare is most effective when the person has mild memory problems or early-stage dementia, can manage their own personal care, understands and agrees to the arrangement, and would benefit from companionship, routine and light practical support.

Because a Sharer spends regular time in the home, they may notice small changes in the Householder’s mood, routine or confidence. These can then be shared with the Two Generations team, who can support the family appropriately if concerns arise.

Support and companionship

For people living with early memory problems, Homeshare offers a practical and relationship‑based form of support. It helps maintain independence, strengthens safety and routine, and provides companionship at a time when confidence may be slipping. For families and professionals, it can be a valuable alternative to consider before more formal care is needed.

“Two Generations found the perfect companion for mum… despite mum’s dementia, I now have peace of mind and mum has a new friend along with great support to help her remain as independent as possible in her own home” Daughter of a Householder.

Speak to the team about our Homeshare programme. 

When assessing an older adult, the early indicators that they are not coping are often subtle. You might notice shifts in their daily functioning: a growing hesitation to move around the home alone, increased anxiety in the evenings, or a quiet admission that the house feels harder to manage. They may still be managing, but daily tasks take more effort, and they seem more isolated despite having support in place.

When these quiet shifts appear, it’s helpful to assess whether Homeshare is a suitable option. Homeshare is a practical, non‑clinical support option that helps older people feel safer, less isolated, and more confident at home, without replacing regulated care. It is suitable for adults who are safe to live independently but would benefit from companionship, light practical help, and overnight reassurance.

This article outlines the key indicators a social worker or health professional should look for when assessing whether Homeshare is a suitable option.

1. Home environment: Are the basics in place?

Homeshare requires that the older person has:

• A spare bedroom in good condition

• Accessible kitchen and bathroom facilities

• A home that is safe for another adult to live in

• Space and willingness to support shared living arrangements (privacy, boundaries, routines)

These are essential prerequisites before considering personal suitability.

2. Support needs: Mild to moderate (not personal care)

Homeshare works best for older adults who can manage personal care independently but would benefit from help with:

• Cooking or preparing meals

• Tidying, laundry, light cleaning

• Shopping or errands

• Reminders (appointments, hydration, locking doors)

Sharers typically offer 10 hours of this type of support each week. There is no personal or medical care included

3. Welfare concerns indicate a good fit

Evidence from recent Homeshare reports shows the most common reasons older adults choose Homeshare:

Memory issues or early‑stage dementia

• 35% of householders have dementia or memory loss

• Homeshare can reduce risks such as missed meals, poor nutrition, or forgetting to lock doors

Mobility limitations or falls risk

• 30% of householders have mobility issues

• Homeshare has been shown to significantly reduce falls: among those previously at risk, only 10% experienced a fall once a sharer moved in

Overnight anxiety or safety concerns

• 75% of families cite overnight reassurance as a primary driver

• Particularly relevant after a fall, hospital stay, or bereavement

Loneliness, isolation, or bereavement

• 58% of families explore Homeshare due to loneliness

• Companionship is a core benefit

Desire to remain at home

Homeshare is ideal for older adults who:

• Want to stay in their own home

• Are not ready for residential care

• Need some support to maintain independence

4. Company is the priority

Homeshare works best when the older person:

• Enjoys company and meeting new people

• Is open to compromise and sharing space

• Values independence but welcomes a helping hand

• Understands that Homeshare is not a care service, but companionship

Refer a patient or discuss suitability

If you’re a Social Prescribing Link Worker, GP practice, or a concerned family member and want to explore Homeshare as an option, you can speak to the team about suitability. Contact us here 

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.