On 14 July 2026, the Government published its first-ever cross-departmental strategy for unpaid carers: the Unpaid Carers Action Plan, titled Recognise, Refer, Reach. It’s backed jointly by the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Business and Trade, the Department for Education and the Department for Work and Pensions, and sets out 42 actions to identify unpaid carers earlier, connect them to support, and help them stay in work, education and good health.

Nearly 1 in 10 people in England is an unpaid carer. Most of them are balancing that role alongside a job or a family, often quietly and often at real personal cost.

At Two Generations, we’ve spent years working at exactly this intersection, where caring responsibilities meet everyday life, housing and work. Here’s what the plan means in practice for employers, and for the community organisations who work alongside carers every day.

What it means for employers

Buried in the detail is a change every HR and wellbeing leader should know about now: employers with 250 or more staff will be required to improve their support for unpaid carers from Spring 2027.

Government hasn’t yet published the full specification of what “improved support” will look like. That detail is still to come, and is likely to be shaped by the ongoing consultation on carer’s leave and a proposed right to return to work after a period of intensive caring. What’s already clear is the timeline, and that businesses of this size will need to show they’ve done something about it.

This isn’t only a compliance issue for employers. Many people already in your workforce are managing a second, unpaid job on top of their paid one. The plan itself acknowledges what that costs carers: their health suffers, they become isolated, and their careers quietly stall under the weight of caring duties. Left unaddressed, that tends to surface later as unexplained absence or people simply drifting out of the business.

Practical, human support tends to matter more here than another policy document. Two Generations’ Homeshare model matches older people who have a spare room with someone who needs an affordable place to live and can offer some companionship or informal support in return. For an employee caring for an elderly relative, that can translate into real relief day to day, not just leave to cover a crisis but an actual change to how much caring falls on them alone, which is often what allows them to stay in work at all.

This isn’t new territory for us. Homeshare is already available through employee benefit platforms including Perkbox and Heka, giving companies a route to offer it without needing a new supplier relationship, and we work directly with organisations including a pharmaceutical multinational to deliver it as a named benefit. If your organisation already offers benefits through providers like these, adding Homeshare to the mix is often simpler than starting from scratch.

Spring 2027 is still some way off, but the employers who start thinking about this now will have a genuine offer in place by then, rather than a rushed policy written at the last minute. We’d welcome that conversation whenever you’re ready to have it.

What it means for community partners

The plan is structured around three pillars: recognise, refer and reach. Referral sits at the centre of it, because recognising a carer achieves very little if there’s nowhere to send them next.

Two details in the plan will matter most to GPs, local authorities, discharge teams and charities working with carers. Carers are set to become central to hospital discharge planning under reforms to the Better Care Fund, recognising that discharge too often happens today without the carer being properly involved or prepared. And the plan names something we hear about constantly in our own work: carers dealing with loneliness and isolation, often while caring for someone who is isolated too.

That’s the space Homeshare sits in. By matching an older person with spare space in their home to someone who needs affordable housing and can offer company or support in return, we’re able to ease isolation for both people involved, and often take some pressure off a family carer who can’t be there every day.

This isn’t a new ambition for us, we have a UK-wide network of partners across the public, private and third sectors. We partner with Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent, Age UK Norfolk, Age UK Enfield and Age UK Herts on Homeshare specifically. On the local authority side, we support referral pathways with councils including Waltham Forest, Harrow and the Isle of Wight, and work with GPs, primary care networks and social care teams. We’re also listed on EMIS, so GPs in London Boroughs can refer patients to us directly through the system they already use every day, rather than needing a separate process. If your organisation already refers into services like these, plugging Homeshare into that pathway is usually a short conversation rather than a new relationship to build from nothing.

Government is now trying to build out proper referral pathways for carers, through GPs, discharge teams, local authorities and the voluntary sector. We’d like to be part of that pathway. If you work with people who are caring, isolated, or both, we’d welcome a conversation about how Homeshare could sit alongside the support you already provide.

Get in touch

Whether you’re an employer preparing for the changes coming in Spring 2027, or a community organisation looking for practical referral options for the carers and older people you support, we’d like to talk to find out more about Homeshare.

Two Generations is pleased to be working with Age UK Hertfordshire to make Homeshare available to more older people and families across the county.

Homeshare brings together an older person who has a spare room with a carefully vetted Homesharer who is looking for affordable accommodation. In return, the Homesharer offers companionship, an overnight presence and agreed light practical support around the home.

For many people living alone, a weekly visit or phone call can make a real difference. But some people need something more regular: someone in the home, someone to share everyday moments with, and the reassurance of knowing they are not on their own overnight.

That is where Homeshare can help. It is not a care service, and it does not replace care. Instead, it can sit alongside existing support, helping older people feel more connected, more confident and better able to remain independent at home.

Every Homeshare is carefully managed by Two Generations, from checks, introductions and matching through to written agreements, safeguarding and ongoing support.

Age UK Hertfordshire already supports older residents through a wide range of services, including companionship and wellbeing support. Homeshare offers another option for people who may benefit from more regular company and practical reassurance at home.

Mark, CEO of Age UK Hertfordshire, said:

“We know how much difference regular contact and support can make to an older person living alone, which is why companionship services are so important to us. Homeshare offers something complementary: a way for people to share their home and daily life with someone else, rather than simply being visited.

“We’re pleased to support Two Generations with the launch of the scheme here in Hertfordshire, and we hope it gives local residents another meaningful option for staying connected and independent.”

Lisa Goldsobel, Head of Operations at Two Generations, said:

“For older people and their families, choosing Homeshare is a big decision, so trust is central to everything we do.

“Every arrangement is carefully managed by Two Generations, from suitability checks through to thoughtful matching, safeguarding and ongoing support.

“Homeshare can help older people feel less alone and more confident at home, while offering Homesharers affordable accommodation and the chance to make a meaningful difference. Families also benefit from the peace of mind that their loved ones are being supported.

“We’re grateful for Age UK Hertfordshire’s support in helping us reach more people across the county, and we hope this will help more residents feel supported and able to live well at home.”

To find out more about Homeshare, contact us here 

Two Generations has launched Homeshare in Norfolk, working with Age UK Norfolk to help more people across the county understand how shared living can support companionship, confidence and independent living at home.

Homeshare brings together someone who has a spare room with a carefully selected Homesharer who is looking for affordable accommodation. In return, the Homesharer provides companionship, overnight reassurance and agreed light practical support around the home.

It is not a care service. It is a carefully managed living arrangement, built around trust, suitability and mutual benefit. For the householder, it can bring regular companionship and reassurance. For the Homesharer, it offers affordable accommodation and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

A trusted local launch in Norfolk

The launch in Norfolk is being supported by Age UK Norfolk, helping to raise awareness of Homeshare as part of the wider conversation around loneliness, connection and ageing well at home.

Ann Donkin, Chief Executive of Age UK Norfolk, said:

“We are really pleased to be supporting the launch of Homeshare in Norfolk with Two Generations. Too many older people tell us they are living alone without the day-to-day connection and reassurance that makes such a difference to wellbeing.

“Homeshare offers a simple but powerful solution — bringing companionship, reassurance and practical support into the home, while helping people maintain their independence for longer. It also creates meaningful intergenerational connections that benefit both parties.”

Lisa Goldsobel, Head of Operations at Two Generations, said:

“We’re delighted to be working with Age UK Norfolk to bring Homeshare to more people across the county.

“For older people and their families, choosing Homeshare is a big decision, so trust is central to everything we do. Every arrangement is carefully managed by Two Generations, from suitability checks through to thoughtful matching, safeguarding and ongoing support.

“Homeshare can help older people feel less alone and more confident at home, while offering Homesharers affordable accommodation and the chance to make a meaningful difference. We hope this work in Norfolk will help more people feel connected, supported and able to live well at home.”

Helping people feel more confident at home

Many people want to remain living independently in the home and community they know, but living alone can sometimes feel isolating. Families may also feel concerned when a parent or loved one is spending long periods of time on their own, particularly overnight.

Homeshare can offer a practical and human response to that situation. It can help reduce loneliness, bring another presence into the home and give families greater peace of mind, while still supporting the householder’s independence.

Every Homeshare arrangement is fully managed by Two Generations. This includes detailed suitability checks, enhanced DBS checks, references, identity checks, careful matching, written agreements, safeguarding and ongoing support throughout the arrangement.

Could Homeshare be right for you?

Homeshare may be suitable for someone who has a spare room and would benefit from companionship, overnight reassurance and some agreed practical help at home.

It may also be suitable for someone looking for affordable accommodation who would value being part of a household and offering regular companionship and support.

If you would like to find out more about Homeshare, or explore whether it could be right for you or someone in your family, get in touch with Two Generations.

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 

Homeshare comes to the Isle of Wight, supported by Isle of Wight Council

Two Generations is delighted to be bringing Homeshare to the Isle of Wight for the first time helping older people stay independent at home, supported by Isle of Wight Council.

The launch marks an important step in making Homeshare available to more communities across the UK, giving older people on the Island a new way to stay independent at home with added companionship, reassurance and light practical support. At the same time, it will create affordable living opportunities for younger adults looking for somewhere to live and a more meaningful way to live.

Homeshare matches an older person  (Householder) who has a spare room with a carefully vetted younger person (Sharer) looking for affordable accommodation. In exchange for a place to live, the sharer provides around ten hours a week of support, which might include cooking, shopping, household tasks and friendly company. Both parties pay a small fee to Two Generations for matching, ongoing support and safeguarding.

It is important to stress that Homeshare is not a care service. Sharers do not provide personal or medical care. Instead, Homeshare is built around companionship, overnight reassurance and day-to-day help that can make a real difference to someone’s wellbeing, confidence and ability to remain in the home they love.

For older people, that can mean feeling safer, less isolated and more supported. For families, it can bring peace of mind knowing someone is there. For younger people, it offers more affordable accommodation as well as the chance to be part of a mutually beneficial arrangement built on companionship, purpose and shared benefit.

Two Generations has been running Homeshare nationally since 2018, with safety and support at the heart of every match. Each homeshare includes enhanced DBS checks, references, home visits, introductory meetings and ongoing support from an experienced team.

Lisa Goldsobel, Head of Operations at Two Generations, said:
“We’re delighted to be launching Homeshare on the Isle of Wight, supported by Isle of Wight Council. For many people, having a trusted person in the home can offer real reassurance, practical day-to-day support, and greater confidence to remain independent. We’re excited to start building safe, well-supported homeshares across the Island.”

Laura Gaudion, Director of Adult Social Care and Housing at Isle of Wight Council, said:
“We are delighted to support Two Generations in bringing the Homeshare model to the Isle of Wight. Many older residents want to remain in the homes they love but would benefit from a little extra support or company. Homeshare offers a safe, reassuring and community-minded solution, and for me it’s something that resonates on a personal level too. In my final year at university, I took part in a similar arrangement and saw first-hand how companionship and everyday support can transform someone’s sense of wellbeing, independence and connection. We’re pleased to support the development of this option for Island residents.”

Anyone on the Isle of Wight interested in finding out more, either as a householder or a sharer, can get in touch here or visit the Isle of Wight website

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.

How Referrals Work (for Link Workers, GPs and PCNs)

Homeshare is a practical, non-clinical support option that can help older people feel safer, less isolated and more confident at home, without replacing regulated care.

For Social Prescribing Link Workers (SPLWs), GP practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs), Homeshare can sit alongside other community interventions where the main challenges are loneliness, low mood, anxiety about being alone (especially at night), or day-to-day practical strain.

This guide explains when Homeshare is suitable, what it does and doesn’t provide, and a clear referral pathway you can use.

What is Homeshare?

Homeshare is a supported, intergenerational living arrangement.

An older person (Householder) offers a spare room to a carefully vetted Homesharer. In exchange, the Homesharer provides:

• Companionship

• Practical help around the home

• Reassurance and an overnight presence

Homeshare is not personal care and does not include bathing, toileting, medication administration, moving/handling, or clinical tasks. It’s designed for people who benefit most from human presence + light practical support.

Why Homeshare fits social prescribing

Homeshare can be particularly relevant when the driver of need is psychosocial rather than clinical:

• Loneliness / social isolation

• Reduced confidence after bereavement

• Low mood linked to living alone

• Anxiety about nights (feeling unsafe alone)

• Carer strain (family under pressure)

• Day-to-day practical overwhelm (shopping, routines, light tasks)

• Maintaining independence at home (without escalating to residential care)

It can complement other social prescribing options (befriending, community groups, carers support, falls prevention programmes), while offering something distinctive: reliable, in-home companionship.

Who is suitable for Homeshare? Referral indicators

Homeshare tends to work best when the person:

• Lives alone (or is alone for long periods)

• Has a spare room and a safe home environment

• Would benefit from regular companionship and reassurance

• Needs light practical help (not personal care)

• Can agree household boundaries and communicate preferences

• Is willing (consenting) to share their home with another adult

A good “social prescribing” fit is someone who is “managing” but is at risk of decline because they are isolated, anxious, or lacking day-to-day support.

When Homeshare may not be appropriate

Homeshare is usually not suitable when:

• Significant personal care is required and not already covered by a care package

• There is advanced dementia or high levels of disorientation that make co-living unsafe

• There are unmanaged risks (e.g., frequent falls without a plan, unsafe home conditions)

• Safeguarding concerns cannot be mitigated

• The person does not consent or strongly does not want someone living in the home

Homeshare can often work alongside an existing care package (e.g., carers visiting for personal care), where Homeshare provides companionship and overnight reassurance.

What does the Homesharer do?

Activities are agreed in advance and typically include:

• Shared meals / regular conversation

• Light household tasks (tidying, bins, basic cleaning)

• Shopping support or accompaniment (where agreed)

• Simple meal prep

• Tech help (phone/video calls)

• Lifts to appointments

• Being around in the evenings and overnight for reassurance

Not included: personal care, clinical tasks, lifting/handling, or anything that requires care training.

Referral pathway: step-by-step

1) Identify suitability in a brief conversation

Useful framing for Link Workers:

“Would having someone living in the home for companionship, light practical help and reassurance make day-to-day life easier, without it being a care service?”

Quick checks:

• Consent/willingness

• Spare room available

• Personal care needs (and whether there’s a care package)

• Immediate risks (safeguarding / home safety)

2) Make a referral to Two Generations

A referral usually includes:

• Contact details

• Presenting issues and goals (e.g., reduce isolation, feel safer at night)

• Current support in place (family, carers, community services)

• Known risks / considerations (falls, hearing, mobility, pets, smoking)

• Communication needs (language, accessibility)

Refer someone / referral form

3) Provider assessment and home check

Two Generations typically completes:

• Structured assessment of needs, preferences and expectations

• Home environment discussion (suitability and safety considerations)

• Clarification of what Homeshare can/can’t offer

• Agreement on boundaries (routine, guests, quiet hours, shared spaces)

4) Matching (quality over speed)

Matching considers:

• Personality and lifestyle fit (routine, sociability, work patterns)

• Support needs and what’s realistic and appropriate

• Clear expectations on time and presence in the home

• Trial period and several meetings to ensure compatibility

This is not “filling a room”, it’s a compatibility match designed to be stable.

5) Vetting and safeguarding checks

A robust Homeshare scheme includes:

• Identity checks, risk assessment and references

• Enhanced DBS checks

• Interviews and screening

• Clear safeguarding policies and escalation routes

6) Agreement and move in

Includes:

• Written agreement (house rules, expectations, notice periods)

• Settling-in plan and check-ins

• Clear “what to do if…” guidance for concerns or conflict

7) Ongoing support and review

Good practice includes:

• Regular check-ins and phone calls

• Named Account Manager contact for both parties

• Review points and adjustments if needed

• A safe process to end a match if it isn’t working

What outcomes can PCNs expect?

While outcomes vary, Homeshare may support:

• Reduced loneliness and improved wellbeing

• Increased confidence at home (particularly evenings)

• Reduced family carer pressure

• Earlier identification of issues (because someone is present day-to-day)

• More sustainable independence at home

For PCNs, it can be a helpful option for patients who are below the threshold for formal care but clearly need more support to stay well.

Referral checklist for Link Workers and GP teams

Consider Homeshare when the patient:

• Is isolated or anxious living alone

• Would benefit from companionship and light help

• Has a spare room and is willing to share their home

• Does not require personal care (or has care in place)

• Has risks that can be assessed and managed (falls, home environment, safeguarding)

FAQs for PCNs

Is Homeshare a care service?

No. Homeshare is not regulated personal care. It’s a supported living arrangement that provides companionship, practical help, and overnight reassurance.

Can Homeshare be used alongside a care package?

Yes. If carers or family already provide personal care, Homeshare can complement this by reducing isolation and providing reassurance at home.

What safeguarding checks are in place?

Checks typically include identity verification, references, interviews/screening, and DBS checks where appropriate, plus ongoing support and monitoring.

How long does it take to set up a Homeshare?

Timeframes vary based on local availability and matching needs. Schemes usually prioritise a safe, compatible match over speed.

What if the match doesn’t work out?

A supported Homeshare provider will have a clear process for addressing issues, adjusting expectations, and ending a match safely if needed.

Refer a patient or discuss suitability

If you’re a Social Prescribing Link Worker, GP practice or PCN team and want to explore Homeshare as an option for a patient, you can refer directly or speak to the team about suitability. Contact us here