Discovering Homeshare can feel like a eureka moment. The idea that an older loved one could have a friendly, reliable person living under the same roof offers them independence and gives you peace of mind.

However, it is only natural that the very next question you’ll ask yourself is: “How do I know it’s safe?”

Welcoming someone new into a home is a big step. At Two Generations, trust and safety are the foundation of everything we do. From initial interviews to ongoing check-ins, our safeguarding structure is designed to protect both our Householders and Homesharers at every single stage.

Here is a look behind the scenes at how we vet, match and safeguard every Homeshare arrangement.

Step 1: Vetting before anyone meets

Before a prospective Homesharer is ever introduced to an older householder, they go through a thorough, multi-stage screening process:

  • Detailed applications & screening Interviews: We conduct telephone and video interviews to explore an applicant’s background, daily routines and motivations for wanting to homeshare.
  • Enhanced DBS checks: Every single Homesharer undergoes an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. 
  • Professional & personal references: We collect and verify professional and personal references to assess reliability, integrity and suitability.
  • Identity verification: Official identity and right-to-reside checks are completed before any candidate progresses.

And the vetting works both ways. We also conduct structured assessments with the Householder (and their family) to ensure their home environment is safe and suitable, and that Homeshare is the right fit for their needs.

Step 2: Thoughtful, personality-led matching

Homeshare works best when it feels like a natural human connection, not an administrative transaction. Matching isn’t about rushing to fill a room; it’s about finding two people whose lifestyles, values and routines work well together.

During the assessment process, we look closely at:

  • Lifestyle & routines: Do wake-up times, work hours and evening habits align?
  • Shared interests: Do they share a love of gardening, pets, cooking or watching sport?
  • Clear support needs: We define what light help is needed (e.g., tech support, sharing meals, or lifts to the shops) and ensure the Homesharer is comfortable with those tasks. (Note: Homesharing does not include personal or medical care).

Once we identify a potential match, we set up initial meetings. Householders and their families have several opportunities to chat and get to know the potential sharer before making any commitment. If it doesn’t feel right, we keep searching.

Step 3: Clear boundaries and frameworks

Ambiguity creates tension, which is why a written agreement backs every successful match before anyone moves in:

  • The Homeshare Agreement: A comprehensive, written agreement setting out clear expectations. It outlines agreed hours of help, house rules, guest policies, quiet hours and privacy boundaries.
  • Not a tenancy: Homeshare is a supported living arrangement, not a traditional tenancy. This makes expectations around support clear and keeps the arrangement simple for both parties.

Step 4: Ongoing safeguarding and dedicated support

We keep in touch. Our monthly fee covers continuous monitoring and management of the arrangement:

  • Settling-in period: We actively monitor the first few weeks with structured check-ins for both the Householder and the Homesharer to make sure everyone is comfortable.
  • Named contact & regular reviews: Both parties have a dedicated contact at Two Generations. We are in regular contact to address small queries before they can become bigger issues.
  • Mediation & resolution: If a misunderstanding occurs, our team steps in to mediate impartially.
  • Notice periods & exit plans: If an arrangement isn’t working out or circumstances change, we manage a safe, structured ending to the match with clear notice periods.

Company and reassurance

For families worrying about an older relative living alone, Homeshare brings reassurance. A vetted, friendly person in the house will notice if their Householder seems unwell, is struggling with routines, or is at risk of becoming isolated.

At Two Generations, we combine robust security measures with human care to ensure Homesharing remains a safe, enriching experience for everyone involved.