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.

It is time to recognise and support working carers through organisations’ employee benefits packages.

The 2021 census showed that at least 5.8 million people across the UK were providing unpaid care for an ill, older, or disabled family member or friend. The number of carers is expected to grow over the next 10 years and is taking its toll on the workforce. 

The State of Caring 2024 survey of UK carers found 80% of working carers feel overwhelmed juggling work and care.  However, “almost a third of working carers in the UK have not discussed their caring role with anyone at their workplace, most commonly because they believed that nothing would change as a result” CIPD.

Hidden in plain sight

Carers are often hidden in the workforce, particularly those caring for elderly relatives and friends. Organisations will benefit from supporting those carers (with increased productivity, retaining talent, and a more inclusive culture), but only if employees are comfortable disclosing their caring responsibilities. How can employers encourage more transparency from their workforce?

Employee Benefits Schemes

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. Alongside promoting positive practices and training for managers, signposting to support gives employees options tailored to their circumstances. 

Create peace of mind

The Two Generations Homeshare scheme is a subscription service 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 set-up 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.

The importance of flexible benefits for working carers is well understood. Our recent articles have all highlighted the growing need for employers to address how they support employees balancing work and eldercare responsibilities.

“Feeling appreciated can go a long way toward not only accepting a stressful situation, but enjoying life more.” Helpguide.org

Recent data from Age UK found: 

• 6 million UK adults worry about supporting their parents as they age.
• 5 million people struggle financially and emotionally to balance work and caregiving responsibilities.
• 25% of the workforce are caregivers, many of whom feel unsupported.
• 60% give up career opportunities.

However, employees who feel supported:

• are more loyal to the organisation and stay longer.
• are less distracted and more productive.
• have lower stress levels and better work-life balance.
• feel included and more able to have open conversations.

We are lucky to work with some forward-thinking organisations taking positive action to improve their support for informal carers at work. One thing they all have in common is that they are listening to their people and providing a range of support that their employees can choose from. 

Three ways employers are supporting their caregivers:

One. Implementing a clear carers policy. This includes flexible and hybrid working options that outlines on-going support and normalises the needs of carers in their organisation.  Many companies are going beyond the legal requirement of 5 unpaid days’ annual leave for elder care under the Care Leavers Act, and are offering paid days and longer time frames for leave. 

However, sadly, the UK still lags behind most of Europe…

Two. Fostering a workplace carer support network. This includes training managers to spot burnout and signposting support available.  From employee forums for eldercare issues and buddy schemes within the workplace to apps and online portals with information to support finding care services and financial aid.

“The Phoenix Group Carers network hosts informal meetings, regular events and signposts support via emails and in its regular events. It is also piloting a safe-space forum and a buddy scheme to create a community of carers who can connect with other in similar situations to theirs.” The Phoenix Group, Best for Carers and Eldercarers 2024 Winner, Working Families

Three. Offering practical support as part of the employee benefits package. One option growing in popularity is a homesharing scheme for employees to access to support their elderly loved ones.

Homesharing 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. The Two Generations homeshare scheme helps employees connect their elderly relatives with vetted live-in companions, creating peace of mind. 

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.

Organisations are losing talent to burnout – a trend that is set to rise. In the 2025 State of Work-Life Wellness Report by Wellhub, work stress has overtaken inflation, AI anxiety, and information overload as the leading cause of stress. While most employees rank well-being as a top priority, more than half believe their current employers fall short of providing adequate support.

One source of work stress that is not always visible, but impacts many employees, is eldercare.

Eldercare – a Silent Pandemic

A study by McKinsey found that respondents who were taking care of an adult reported higher rates of burnout (37%) than those taking care of children (20%), and let’s not forget the sandwich generation (often women) doing both.  With an aging population, caregiving is becoming a silent pandemic in the workplace (see Forbes article – Employee caregivers: A silent pandemic ). 

Take Positive Action Early

This is an opportunity for employers to get ahead in the competition for talent. The starting point is reducing the stigma around caregiving, creating supportive policies like flexible working, and providing access to dedicated support services. When caregiving employees feel supported, they are more likely to stay engaged and loyal. 

Access to Homeshare Support (An Employee Benefit)

Homeshare is an innovative employee benefit that is simple to integrate into an existing benefits package. Through the Two Generations scheme, employees can arrange for a carefully vetted sharer to provide live-in companionship and support for an elderly relative. This gives the family peace of mind, as one employee told us, 

“It’s nice that when I speak to my mum now, it’s about what we’ve been up to rather than a list of issues. This has reduced my stress levels and work distractions and I’m far more upbeat and productive in the office. It’s such a relief knowing someone is there for mum.”

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.

The workforce is undergoing a significant shift—by 2025, more employees will be caring for elderly loved ones than raising children. With an estimated 600 employees leaving work every day to manage caregiving responsibilities, businesses can no longer afford to overlook this growing challenge. To retain talent, maintain productivity, and control costs, companies must take proactive steps to support their employees.

The introduction of the Carer’s Leave Act in 2023 signaled a clear shift in employer responsibilities, reinforcing the need for businesses to accommodate workers who care for aging relatives. Implementing a comprehensive elder care support strategy is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. Here’s why:

1. Reducing Absences & Increasing Productivity

Employees with caregiving responsibilities often face unplanned absences or struggle with mental disengagement—physically at work but preoccupied with their loved ones’ needs. A strong elder care strategy, including flexible working arrangements and practical care solutions like Homeshare, helps alleviate this burden. By providing employees with reliable care options, businesses can reduce absenteeism, improve focus, and enhance overall productivity.

2. Enhancing Employee Well-Being & Retention

A recent study from TakingCare discovered that one in three adults would consider leaving their job if a parent needed support and care.

Additionally, employees who choose to stay at their jobs without employer benefits to support caring for the elderly often experience burnout, and mental health challenges. Therefore, ensuring that employees who are caring for the elderly have support can not only provide a positive workplace but also increase job satisfaction and employee retention.

3. Supporting Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Goals

Elder care responsibilities disproportionately affect women, minority communities, and lower-income employees, often creating career progression barriers. A dedicated elder care strategy ensures all employees, regardless of background, have the support needed to thrive.

Thus, forward-thinking businesses that prioritise elder care policies will set themselves apart as industry leaders in workplace inclusivity.

4. Strengthening Employer Branding & Attracting Talent

In today’s competitive job market, benefits can be a deciding factor for candidates when choosing an employer. In fact, an Adler survey found that 25% of UK workers value benefits more than their base salary.

A strong elder care policy therefore not only helps retain existing staff but also makes the company more appealing to new talent. When employees see that their personal and family needs are valued, they’re more likely to choose to join and stay with an organisation.

5. Future-Proofing Against Workforce Demands

The UK has an aging population as such the elder care problem in the workforce will only continue to grow. Organisations that proactively implement elder care strategies will be better prepared to retain employees, maintain productivity and reduce turnover costs in the years ahead.

How Two Generations Can Help

Our Homeshare scheme offers a unique corporate benefit connecting employees’ elderly relatives with vetted live-in companions, reducing caregiving stress while keeping employees engaged and productive.

Benefits for Employers:
✔ Retain top talent & reduce absenteeism
✔ Improve productivity & workplace morale
✔ Align with DEI & ESG goals
✔ Minimal admin—employees contract directly with Two Generations

Learn more about our corporate offering here. 

Loneliness among older adults in the UK continues to grow, having profound implications for both mental and physical health. In a society that is aging, addressing this silent epidemic is more important than ever.

This blog explores the causes of loneliness among the elderly, the importance of companionship, and how organisations such as Two Generations can help bridge the gap.

The Reality of Loneliness Among the Elderly in the UK

Over 2 million people in England aged 75 and above live alone. More shockingly, over 1 million older adults have reported going more than a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour, or family member (NHS, 2025). This lack of social interaction not only fosters emotional distress but also contributes to a multitude of physical and mental difficulties.

What Causes Loneliness in the Elderly?

There are a wide variety of factors that can contribute to loneliness in older adults, including:

• Loss of Social Opportunities: Retirement or the death of a spouse or friends often leads to fewer daily interactions.
• Health Challenges: Older individuals can struggle with health challenges that limit mobility and confidence, making it harder to leave their homes to socialise.
• Living Alone: Many older adults live independently, with few visitors or interactions.
• Geographical Separation: Regular contact with family can be a great way to reduce loneliness, however, increased distance to family can make it difficult to stay in touch regularly.

Why is Companionship Crucial for the Elderly?

Studies show that older adults with strong social connections are more likely to engage in healthy behaviours, such as regular exercise and balanced diets, improving their overall quality of life. 

Additionally, companionship can help the elderly improve:

• Mental Wellbeing: Regular interactions help ward off depression and anxiety, which are common outcomes of prolonged loneliness.
• Physical Health: Engaging with others has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, reduced inflammation, and enhanced immunity.
• Sense of Purpose: Companionship fosters feelings of belonging and self-worth, vital for maintaining a positive outlook on life.

Homesharing: A Great Solution to Elderly Loneliness

What is Homesharing?

Homesharing is 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.

TwoGenerations, offers this service to its users, both for individuals and corporate organisations looking to help their employees decrease care pressures.

How It Works

Homesharing is a simple yet impactful concept:

• For Householders: It offers independence, companionship, and peace of mind.
• For Families: It reduces caregiving stress and provides reassurance about their loved one’s well-being.
• For Sharers: It provides affordable housing with purpose and companionship.

Loneliness among the elderly is a growing issue, but together, we can make a difference. Discover how TwoGenerations’ homesharing programme can transform lives by fostering meaningful connections. Learn more and get involved today!

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

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:

1. Initial Inquiry – Families or Householders reach out to understand if a Homeshare setup would be right for them.
2. Matching Process – We carefully vet and select a suitable Homesharer.
3. Interviews & Safeguarding Checks – Both parties meet, with DBS checks and references conducted.
4. Trial Period – A one-month trial period is introduced in order to ensure that both parties are happy with the parnership.
5. 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.

The UK’s aging population is reshaping the workforce, and employers are stepping up to meet this growing challenge. With nearly 25% of employees balancing work with caregiving responsibilities, the pressure on businesses to provide meaningful support is greater than ever. Innovative companies are recognising that eldercare isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a workplace issue too.

The New Frontier of Employee Benefits

Forward-thinking employers are integrating eldercare into their benefits packages, and for good reason. Caregiving responsibilities cost UK businesses billions each year in lost productivity and absenteeism. Offering employee benefits like Homeshare—a service matching older adults with vetted companions who provide support and companionship—can significantly alleviate these challenges.

Homeshare provides a unique advantage: it keeps aging relatives safe, connected, and independent in their own homes while giving employees peace of mind. For caregivers, this means fewer distractions and a greater ability to focus at work. For businesses, it translates to higher employee satisfaction and reduced turnover.  The scheme is easy to implement with Two Generations managing all aspects of the scheme, from launch materials, checks and safeguards, and tailored account management every step of the way.

Leading by Example

Some UK companies are already embracing eldercare benefits as a cornerstone of their employee support strategies. These organisations are providing flexible working arrangements, caregiver-specific resources, and innovative solutions like Homeshare to ease the burden on their staff.

By taking proactive steps, these employers are creating a workplace culture that values and supports caregivers. It’s not only the right thing to do but also a strategic move to attract and retain top talent in a competitive market.

A Call to Action for Employers

The aging population is a challenge we all share, but it’s also an opportunity for businesses to lead with compassion and innovation. Offering eldercare solutions like Homeshare shows employees that their well-being matters and it also helps them meet their DEI and ESG requirements.

Discover how Two Generations can help your organisation support caregiving employees while improving productivity and retention.  Call now on 03333 44 7738.

Balancing work and caregiving is no easy task. The new Carer’s Leave Act introduced in April, 2024, provided some much-needed relief, offering employees more support and flexibility to fulfill their caregiving duties.

Here’s a closer look at what the Carer’s Leave Act entails, how it supports employees, and what steps employers need to take to meet these new obligations.

What is the Carer’s Leave Act?

The Carer’s Leave Act, effective from April 6th, 2024, requires UK employers to provide up to one week of unpaid leave per year for employees caring for a dependent with long-term care needs.

This leave is designed to be flexible: employees can take it in separate blocks rather than all at once, allowing them to respond to caregiving needs as and when they arise.

Who Qualifies for Carer’s Leave?

To qualify for Carer’s Leave, employees must meet specific criteria:

• They must be full-time or part-time employees (contractors are not eligible).
• They must be caring for someone with long-term care needs, such as:
  • A spouse, civil partner, child, or parent.
  • Someone living with them (not tenants or boarders).
  • Someone who reasonably relies on the employee for care.

A dependent’s long-term care needs could include:

• A physical or mental condition requiring care for more than three months
• A disability as defined under the Equality Act 2010.
• Care needs related to old age.

Key Benefits for Employees

The Carer’s Leave Act brings several key advantages for employees:

• Dedicated Leave for Caregiving:
  For the first time, caregivers have access to specific time set aside for their responsibilities, without needing to use annual leave or sick days.
• Flexible Scheduling:
  Employees can take the leave in separate blocks, making it easier to manage caregiving duties without neglecting work commitments.
• Recognition of Caregivers:
  By introducing this law, the UK has started to recognise the importance of caregiving, helping build understanding and better workplace environments.

While the Carer’s Leave Act sets a minimum standard, employers who go above and beyond can create a more inclusive and supportive workplace.

• Provide Paid Leave: Offering paid caregiving leave shows a genuine commitment to employee well-being and fosters loyalty.
• Foster Open Conversations: Encourage discussions about caregiving responsibilities to build a culture of empathy and understanding.
• Enhance Support Programs: Consider providing access to counseling, caregiving resources, or employee assistance programs to further ease the burden on caregivers.

What This Means for Employers

For employers, the Carer’s Leave Act introduces important new obligations and an opportunity to improve workplace culture.

1. Statutory Requirement:
   Employers are now legally required to provide up to one week of unpaid leave per year for eligible employees.
2. Policy Updates:
   HR teams should review and update employee handbooks, ensuring all staff understand their rights and the process for applying for Carer’s Leave.
3. Managing Requests:
   Employers cannot refuse requests outright but may postpone leave if its timing would cause significant disruption. In such cases, they must notify the employee within seven days and propose alternative dates within a month.

A Step Forward

The Carer’s Leave Act is a milestone for employees and employers alike. It acknowledges the challenges caregivers face and lays the groundwork for a more supportive workplace. By preparing early and considering additional benefits, employers can attract and retain top talent while fostering a culture of compassion and inclusivity.

At Two Generations, we’re passionate about supporting caregivers. Through our Homeshare service, we help older adults live independently while connecting younger individuals with affordable housing opportunities. Together, we create connected communities that support every generation.

Want to learn how we can help your workplace support caregivers? Get in touch to explore new ways to improve employee well-being.

Why UK Employers Need to Prepare for an Aging Workforce.

The UK workforce is undergoing a seismic shift, with caregiving responsibilities becoming an increasingly pressing issue for employees and employers alike. By 2025, more workers in the UK will be caring for an elderly relative than a child—a startling statistic that underscores the urgency of addressing eldercare challenges in the workplace.

For employees, the burden is immense. Over 5 million adults in the UK struggle to balance work and caregiving, with many feeling the financial and emotional strain of supporting aging parents. These demands lead to exhaustion, reduced productivity, and difficult choices, such as cutting back hours or leaving the workforce entirely. On average, 600 people in the UK leave their jobs every day to care for a loved one.

This growing crisis doesn’t just affect individuals; it’s costing UK businesses billions annually in lost productivity, absenteeism, and turnover. With one in seven employees balancing caregiving with their job, businesses are already feeling the strain. Yet, few employers have robust systems in place to support these employees.

The Role of Employers in Navigating the Caregiving Crisis

Employers have a unique opportunity to lead the way in supporting their aging workforce. By acknowledging the challenges caregivers face and offering practical solutions, businesses can foster loyalty, reduce absenteeism, and attract top talent. This is where innovative eldercare solutions, like Homeshare, can make a meaningful difference.

Homeshare matches older adults with vetted companions who provide support and companionship in exchange for affordable housing. For employers, partnering with organisations like Two Generations, which offers Homeshare services, can directly support caregiving employees. This scheme helps reduce stress and provide peace of mind, enabling employees to focus on their careers without sacrificing the well-being of their loved ones.

A Call to Action for Employers

As the workforce ages, companies must prepare for the realities of caregiving. By integrating eldercare support into employee benefits, businesses can build a resilient, compassionate, and productive workforce.

Two Generations is at the forefront of this movement, offering tailored eldercare solutions for employees. From reducing stress for caregivers to enhancing workplace satisfaction, their Homeshare scheme is designed to meet the needs of a modern workforce.

Learn how your company can support employees and lead the way in addressing the caregiving crisis. Contact us today to find out more