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 

Homeshare – A Practical Solution that Can Help

If you are an adult child, January can bring a familiar mix of emotions.

You have had time together over Christmas, then you get back to work and real life, and suddenly the house feels quieter again. You might notice little things you did not clock before. Your mum seems less confident going out in the evenings. Your dad is eating more “bits and pieces” than proper meals. You find yourself thinking, “They are fine, but are they fine on their own?”

You are not imagining it. Living alone is becoming more common for older people in the UK. In 2024, an estimated 8.4 million people lived alone, and just over half of those were aged 65 or over. (1) The Office for National Statistics also reported an estimated 4.3 million people aged 65 and over living alone in 2024. (2)

Living alone is not automatically a problem. Many older people love their independence, their routines, and their home. The worry is what happens when independence starts to come with isolation, low confidence, or small practical challenges that add up.

Age UK estimates that 940,000 people aged 65 and over are often lonely, and 270,000 older people in England go a week without speaking to a friend or family member. (3)

If any of this feels close to home, it is worth knowing there is an option that sits between “doing nothing” and “making a big move”.

It is called Homeshare.

What Homeshare is…

Homeshare is where an older person with a spare room is matched with a carefully vetted younger adult who needs affordable accommodation.

Instead of paying full market rent, the younger person offers a set amount of time each week in companionship and practical help. It is typically around 10 hours, agreed upfront, and it does not include personal or medical care.

Its about being around in the evenings, sharing a meal now and then, helping with shopping, light household tasks, or just bringing a bit of everyday conversation back into the home.

Two Generations runs this as a supported service. They match people thoughtfully through a stringent vetting process, which includes references and DBS checks, and stay involved, with regular contact throughout the time of the Homeshare.

Why this matters to adult children

If you are supporting an older parent, what you often want is simple.

• You want them to be safe.
• You want them to feel less alone.
• You want them to keep their independence.
• You want to worry less, without taking over their life.

Homeshare can help because it changes the texture of day-to-day life. Not with a big intervention, but with a steady presence.

Here is what adult children often say they value most about the idea.

1. The house feels “lived in” again

For many families, the biggest change is not the practical support, but the return of normal human company. Someone to say good morning to. A chat in the kitchen. A shared cup of tea.

That kind of everyday contact is hard to replicate with occasional visits, especially if you live far away or have work and children of your own.

2. Reassurance without removing independence

Many older people do not want their children checking in constantly, and adult children do not want to feel like they are policing. Homeshare can reduce that pressure, because someone trustworthy is nearby as part of normal life.

3. Light support that prevents small issues from becoming big ones

It is often the “small” things that can start to slip. Eating properly. Keeping on top of laundry. Getting to a local appointment. Feeling confident carrying shopping. Homeshare support can help with these areas in a way that feels natural rather than medical.

4. It can be a gentle next step after bereavement or a wobble

The New Year can also be when you see the impact of a recent loss, a fall, or a change in health. Homeshare is not a care solution, but it can be a supportive bridge for someone who is still capable but would benefit from not being alone all the time.

Is Homeshare right for your parent

Homeshare tends to work best when your parent:

• Has a spare room
• Wants to remain living at home
• Would welcome more company
• Would benefit from a bit of practical help each week
• Is open to sharing their home, with clear boundaries

A New Year conversation worth having

If you are reading this and thinking, “This could help, but how do I even bring it up”, you are not alone.

A good way to start is not with “You need help”, but with:

“I want you to stay in your home and feel happy there.”
“I have been thinking about how quiet it is in the evenings.”
“I found something called Homeshare. It is not care. It is more about companionship and a bit of practical support.”
“Would you be open to hearing about it, just as an option?”

For many parents, the biggest barrier is the fear of losing control. Reassure them that Homeshare is about staying in charge of their own home, with support wrapped around it.

If you’d like a chat to discuss whether Homeshare might work for your loved one, click here or check out our FAQs here 

References

1. Office for National Statistics, Families and households in the UK: 2024
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/families/bulletins/familiesandhouseholds/2024

2. The Independent, reporting ONS estimate of 4.3m people aged 65+ living alone in 2024
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/office-for-national-statistics-people-b2794419.html

3. Age UK press release, “You are not alone in feeling lonely” (Dec 2024)
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/articles/age-uks-new-report-shows-you-are-not-alone-in-feeling-lonely/

4. Homeshare UK, “What is Homeshare?” (includes typical hours and boundaries, no personal care)
https://homeshareuk.org/about-homeshare/householders/what-is-homeshare/

Winter is tougher for older people, here’s how Homeshare can help..

As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, winter can feel cosy for some, but for many older people, it’s the hardest time of year.

Cold homes, higher energy bills, icy pavements and long dark evenings all add up. On top of that, many older people spend more time alone in winter, which can have a real impact on both physical and mental health.

At Two Generations, we see every day how a good Homeshare match can make winter feel warmer, safer and less lonely for older householders, their families, and even their employers.

Why winter hits older people harder

UK data has long shown that more people die in winter than in the warmer months, and older adults are especially affected. A recent government report estimated 10,890 excess deaths in England in 2023 – about 2% higher than expected based on recent trends, with older age groups making up a large share of this. (1)

Cold weather makes existing health conditions harder to manage and increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and respiratory infections. When you add in the worry of bills, it’s easy to see why winter is such a challenging season.

Cold homes and the cost of living

Energy prices may have stabilised a little, but they’re still a huge worry for many older people.

Age UK estimates that 1.9 million older households in the UK will be living in fuel poverty across 2024, around one in six older households. (2)

More recent research found that:

• Nearly 8 million older people in the UK were concerned about the upcoming winter

• 40% of older people are worried they won’t be able to heat their home enough (3)

Behind those numbers are real people choosing between turning the heating on, cutting back on food, or dipping into savings they don’t really have.

Loneliness in the darker months

Winter isn’t just colder, it’s lonelier.

Age UK estimates there are around 1.4 million chronically lonely older people in England. (4)

Their new loneliness report paints an even sharper picture:

• 7% of people aged 65+, the equivalent of 940,000 older people, are often lonely

• Around 270,000 older people in England go a whole week without speaking to a friend or family member (5)

Shorter days, bad weather and reduced mobility mean many older people are stuck indoors more, seeing fewer people and losing the routine contact that keeps us feeling connected.

Where Two Generations Homeshare fits in

Two Generations Homeshare matches an older Householder (with a spare room and a need for company or light help) with a carefully vetted Sharer (often a student, professional or key worker who needs affordable accommodation and wants to make a difference).

A Sharer is not a carer, but in winter, the impact of low-level help and companionship can be huge.

1. A warmer, safer home

A Homeshare match can help by:

• Contributing to household bills, making it a bit easier to keep the heating on

• Providing another pair of eyes and ears in the home, noticing if it’s unusually cold, if something’s not working, or if there are hazards like wet paths or icy steps

• Offering reassurance in the evenings and overnight so older people (and their families) don’t feel they’re facing winter alone

2. Everyday companionship

Dark evenings feel very different when there’s someone else in the house.

Homeshare builds regular social contact into daily life: shared meals, chats over TV, help with technology, and planning Christmas or winter treats together. For many of our matches, what begins as a practical arrangement becomes a real intergenerational friendship.

This kind of day-to-day connection is exactly what so many lonely older people are missing.

3. Support for family carers and employers

Many older householders also have adult children juggling work, children and caring responsibilities.

Knowing there’s a trusted Sharer living with mum or dad can:

• Reduce last minute emergencies and panicked phone calls

• Ease the constant worry about whether they’re warm, safe and coping

• Help working carers stay in their jobs, with fewer unplanned absences and more ability to focus

For employers, encouraging solutions like Homeshare can form part of a practical eldercare strategy, supporting retention, wellbeing and productivity for staff who are caring for older relatives.

Talking to an older relative about Homeshare this winter

If you’re worried about how an older family member will cope over winter, it can help to:

1. Start with how they’re feeling
   Ask open questions about cold, bills, getting out, and being on their own.

2. Be honest about your limits
   Let them know you want to help, but can’t be there all the time.

3. Present Homeshare as a way to stay independent
   Emphasise that it’s about company, safety and sharing a home, not about “giving up” their independence.

4. Reassure them about safety and support
   Explain the vetting, safeguarding and ongoing support Two Generations provides throughout the match.

A small idea that makes a big difference in winter

We can’t control the weather or energy prices, but we can change what winter feels like for older people.

Homeshare turns an empty spare room into:

• Extra reassurance for an older person

• Genuine companionship in the darker months

• Practical support for families and employers trying to juggle work and care

If you’d like to find out how Two Generations Homeshare could help someone you know this winter, you can learn more and get in touch.

References

1. Excess mortality in England 2023, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities  “Excess mortality within England 2023 data: statistical commentary”:
   https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/excess-mortality-within-england-post-pandemic-method/excess-mortality-within-england-2023-data-statistical-commentary

2. Age UK  “Energy crisis is still causing misery for the poorest pensioners says Age UK”:
   https://www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/articles/2024/energy-crisis-is-still-causing-misery-for-the-poorest-pensioners-says-age-uk/

3. Age UK  “Supporting older people to stay well this winter”:
   https://www.ageuk.org.uk/discover/2025/october/supporting-older-people-to-stay-well-this-winter/

4. Age UK  “Loneliness research and resources”:
   https://www.ageuk.org.uk/our-impact/policy-research/loneliness-research-and-resources/

5. Age UK –“Age UK’s new report shows you are not alone in feeling lonely”:
   https://www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/articles/age-uks-new-report-shows-you-are-not-alone-in-feeling-lonely/

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.