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/
