HomeShareWorking towards bridging the intergenerational gap and combating loneliness for the elderly

Speakers: Radha Hirani & Philip Nguyen (Novus Homeshare)

https://vimeo.com/269667360

HISTORY & BACKGROUND

Crossroads Care (Central & North London) wanted to expand their services in 2009 and they acquired the service from Vitalise, a charity that didn’t have the infrastructure to run the service.

In August 2014 Novus (LCCC) acquired the scheme, after the closure of Crossroads Care CNL.

HOMESHARE PARTNERSHIP

WHAT IS HOMESHARE?

Homeshare matches someone who needs some help to live independently in their own home (householder) with someone who has a housing need (homesharer).

In return for low cost accommodation the homesharer provides a minimum of 10 hours support per week to the householder.

WHO ARE HOMESHARERS?

Often students, young working professionals or key public service workers who cannot afford housing where they work.

They are happy to give their time to support the needs of older people.

Homesharers provides at least 10 hours of support per week and may include activities such as: cooking, shopping, companionship, overnight security, etc.

“It’s given me a lot of happiness and compassion.

It’s very good for the soul.”

Homesharer Poppy

WHO ARE HOUSEHOLDERS?

Often older people or people who need support to continue to live in their own homes.

They will have some support needs or may have become isolated or anxious about living alone.

Householders will be able to pass on their skills and experience to enrich the lives of the homesharers.

MATCHING PROCESS

Initial application & profile submissions (electronic or hard-copy)

Application processing

Reference checks & risk assessments

Interview and matching

Agreement

Share

Quarterly reviews & regular catch up calls

COST OF HOMESHARING

All fees are paid directly to Novus in order to help us run and manage the service. There is therefore no money exchange between the Householder or Homesharer.

Standard fees:

▪Homesharers pay a monthly fee of £200.00

▪Householders pay a monthly fee of £130.00 per month

▪Householders can request a maximum of £30 contribution towards bills.

COST AVOIDED BY HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE SERVICES

BENEFITS OF LIVING IN A HOMESHARE

Improvement in householder wellbeing

“For many years, I haven’t slept very well. I couldn’t get to sleep quickly, or I’d wake up and not go back to sleep. This has improved significantly”

Companionship and loneliness

“Sharing your home is a marvellous idea. Loneliness is horrible. You can get bored to tears being by yourself. Having someone else in the home makes a big difference. You don't have to worry about falling over or hurting yourself”

Support around the home

“She makes the meals. Yesterday she vacuumed the house, then she mopped the floor.. I can still cook and clean, but I don’t have to do it all the time. It’s easier sharing everything, a lot easier.”

BENEFITS OF LIVING IN A HOMESHARE

Low-cost accommodation

“For me, there are mainly the practical benefits of affordable living and independence in the city which is a huge thing for me. I don’t think I could have afforded to live here and do the occupation I’m doing without Homeshare.”

Intergenerational learning

“A lot of people these days forget about older generations, but it’s so important not to let them be forgotten when they’re so hilarious”.

MATCH ENABLERS

Open communication within the match

“For the first three weeks, it is about asking [questions], trying to understand each other, trying to live together and obviously [trying to talk].

Organising regular activities together

“Every Sunday night at 7.30pm we watch a video… I choose one and then she chooses one. We enjoy watching them together and it gives us a chance to spend time together”

CHALLENGES OF LIVING IN A HOMESHARE

Sharing space

“The expectation management, I feel like a family member and can’t really close the door.”

Increasing need during the match

“It’s difficult because on one side I want to make sure she has as much dignity as possible, but I also have to think about myself in terms of how much support I’m offering.”

Join in with the conversation!@Novus_Homeshare@NovusHomeshare

novus-homeshare.org.ukhomeshareuk.org

Evaluation of the Homeshare pilots available at: www.homeshareuk.orgSpread the word by using #HomeshareUK

Many thanks to Homeshare UK, Social Care Institute for Excellence & Traverse.