Shared living arrangement where individuals trade companionship & assistance for affordable housing

Description

THE HomeShare is a unique and innovative living arrangement that brings together two or more individuals, typically from different generations, to share a home.

It involves matching individuals who have an available room in their home with someone in need of affordable housing. THE HomeShare aims to create mutually beneficial relationships, where the householder receives assistance with household tasks and companionship, while the accommodation seeker gains access to affordable housing and a supportive living environment.

In a homeshare arrangement, the householder, usually an older adult, may find themselves living alone and facing challenges in maintaining their home or feeling socially isolated. They may have a spare bedroom and need some assistance with daily tasks but wish to remain in their own home. On the other hand, the accommodation seeker, who could be a young professional, a student, or someone in transition, is in need of affordable housing and is willing to offer their time, companionship and support to the householder.

The matching process is a crucial aspect of THE HomeShare. We are responsible for homeshare facilitation by carefully assess the needs, preferences, and compatibility of both the householder and the accommodation seeker. Factors such as lifestyle, hobbies, shared interests and values are taken into account to ensure a harmonious living arrangement.

Once a suitable match is found, THE HomeShare draws up the terms of their living arrangement. This includes discussions on the scope of assistance required, any financial contributions, and the overall expectations from the arrangement. These agreements are flexible and tailored to meet the specific needs and circumstances of the individuals involved.

The benefits of homesharing are plentiful. For the householder, having a sharer provides companionship, which can alleviate feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Householders may also receive assistance with household chores, such as cleaning, cooking, gardening, or transportation. Additionally, the financial contribution towards the utility bills from the sharer can help alleviate some of the householder’s living costs. This can be particularly valuable for older adults who are living on fixed incomes and may struggle with rising cost of living expenses. Homesharing also enables older people to remain living in their own homes and minimises the need to move to long term care prematurely. Homesharing also enables timely discharge from hospital.

Accommodation seekers, on the other hand, gain access to affordable housing in a supportive environment. They can benefit from reduced living costs, as the rent or housing expenses in a homeshare arrangement are much lower compared to traditional rental options. Accommodation seekers also have the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with the householder, fostering intergenerational connections and learning from their life experiences.

Homesharing can have broader positive impacts on society as well. It can help address housing affordability challenges, especially for individuals with limited financial resources, students, or young professionals starting their careers. It promotes social cohesion by fostering relationships across generations and breaking down stereotypes or age-related biases. Homeshare arrangements also contribute to the efficient utilisation of existing housing stock by making use of available space.

Aim of Initiative

The aim of THE HomeShare is to create mutually beneficial living arrangements where individuals can meet their social and housing needs while fostering companionship, support and intergenerational connections.

It seeks to address various challenges faced by older householders, such as social isolation, household tasks, and that crucial overnight presence in the home, whilst providing affordable housing options for individuals seeking a place to live.

Research confirms that older people living alone are at a 44% greater chance of falling (Tilda) which in turn typically decreases their health and independence and increases the chance of them having to access long term care.

The ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life for both the householder and accommodation seeker by promoting shared responsibility, companionship, and a sense of community.

Who is it aimed at

Homeshare is aimed at two primary groups of individuals: older householders and accommodation seekers.

Householders: THE HomeShare targets Householders, typically older adults or individuals who may be living alone, facing challenges in maintaining their independence or experiencing social isolation. THE HomeShare offers them the opportunity to have companionship, assistance with household tasks and an overnight presence for peace of mind and in case of an emergency, they are not alone. It allows them to remain in their own homes while improving their quality of life through meaningful relationships and support.

Accommodation seekers: THE HomeShare also caters to individuals in need of affordable housing. This may include students, professionals, individuals in transition, or those with limited financial resources. Accommodation seekers benefit from accessing affordable housing options in a supportive environment, where they can contribute their time, companionship, and assistance to the householder. Homesharing provides them with a more affordable living arrangement compared to traditional rental options and allows for intergenerational connections and learning experiences.

Overall, THE HomeShare aims to create a win-win situation by matching householders with a spare bedroom and in need of support with accommodation seekers in need of affordable housing, fostering companionship, support and a sense of community for both parties involved.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Gaining the trust of older people to encourage them to participate in a homeshare arrangement has been critical. The following are the key steps that are crucial to the success of THE HomeShare.

   Clear Information: We provide clear, transparent and detailed information about THE HomeShare service, its benefits, the matching process and our on-going support. It is imperative that we meet anyone considering this option in person, so they can express any concerns they may have and we can explain how the THE HomeShare ensures safety, compatibility and on-going support. It gives us the opportunity to address any concerns they may have, such as personal boundaries, our screening process and what safeguarding measures we have in place should anything go wrong.

   It is imperative we take a personalised approach so we can understand the unique needs and concerns of older individuals. This also enables a rapport, and gain a better understanding of the process and our ongoing support.

2. Comprehensive Matching Process: A thorough matching process is essential to ensure compatibility between the householder and the accommodation seeker. Factors such as lifestyle, interests, values, and compatibility of needs should be considered to facilitate a harmonious living arrangement.

   Thorough vetting of prospective sharers is also essential to ensure the suitability of accommodation seekers. THE HomeShare Garda Vet all sharers, as well as thorough reference checking.

   As well as the above vetting procedures, we rely heavily on our “gut feeling” when shortlisting perspective sharers.

   Well-Defined Agreements: Clear and well-defined agreements are crucial to establish the terms and expectations of the homeshare arrangement. This includes outlining the scope of assistance, house rules, privacy boundaries, and duration of the arrangement.

3. Ongoing Support and Monitoring: Providing ongoing support and close monitoring by THE HomeShare is crucial to address any issues or concerns that may arise during a homeshare arrangement. Regular check-ins, facilitated discussions, and access to support resources help maintain a positive living environment for both the householder and the sharer.

   By regular monitoring and evaluation of the homeshare arrangement, it helps identify any challenges or areas of improvement. This is done through monthly home visits and monthly phone check-in’s to ensure the ongoing success and satisfaction of both parties involved, as well as a dedicated 24/7/365 emergency phone number.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Building Trust; Building trust with older individuals to consider the Homeshare option will always be a challenge and is a gradual process that requires open communication, transparency, and empathy as well as continued marketing of THE HomeShare service to raise awareness of this option.

   By addressing their concerns, providing personalised support and showcasing the benefits of homesharing, we continue to encourage their participation and help them feel secure in taking this step.

2. Building Trust and Risk Mitigation: The same challenge, as outlined above, applies to Government, senior policy makers and senior HSE staff.

   Government officials and senior HSE staff have concerns about risk management and liability associated with homesharing. We continue to engage with them and have presented comprehensive risk mitigation strategies, such as evidence of our robust policies and procedures.

   Regrettably, despite evidence presented to the Department of Housing and the HSE (by our own evidence and research through Trinity College Dublin, School of Business) on the positive physical and emotional impact of Homesharing and the cost savings of Homeshare, with particular reference to HAP recipients, older social housing tenants and savings on the Fair Deal scheme, and despite assurance to THE HomeShare of proactive interest and further engagement by Government, we await further engagement and collaboration, by both Department of Housing and the HSE.

   It must be noted, however, that Minister Mary Butler has been most encouraging and proactive in her support of THE HomeShare.

   It must also be noted that we have had, and continue to have, very positive engagement with HSE staff on the ground. We receive referrals weekly from PHN’s, MSW’s, GP’s etc… They advise us that they are surprised and question why they haven’t been officially made aware of this option for their patients by the HSE as they can clearly appreciate the benefits.

3. Collaboration and Partnerships: We continue to seek opportunities for collaboration and partnerships with government entities, NGO’s and community supports.

   We continue to engage with the Department of Health, Department of Housing, the HSE, Slaintecare, Healthy Ireland, community development agencies and social services in every local community to demonstrate how homesharing can align with their goals and objectives.

   Our continued focus and is to encourage national and local programs and services to support the development and expansion of THE HomeShare through collaboration and partnerships. And in so doing, we will all witness the benefits of Homesharing.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. There are numerous outcomes and benefits for people who partake in our service.

   Social Interaction: Homesharing promotes socialisation and reduces social isolation, especially for older adults living alone. Regular interaction with sharers can provide companionship, emotional and practical support and the reassurance that a responsible adult is present in the home at night, in case of an emergency.

   Reduced Loneliness: Loneliness has been linked to various health issues, including depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular problems. Living with others through homesharing can combat feelings of loneliness and enhance overall mental well-being.

2. Enhanced Physical Health: Homesharing can promote a healthier lifestyle. Sharers can encourage and engage in physical activities, such as exercising together, cooking healthy meals, or participating in outdoor activities. This support can lead to better physical health outcomes and an increased likelihood of maintaining healthy habits.

   Cognitive Stimulation: Living with others can provide opportunities for intellectual stimulation and personal growth. Engaging in discussions, sharing ideas, and learning from different perspectives can keep the mind active and contribute to cognitive well-being. This can be especially beneficial to householders who may be living with dementia or cognitive impairment.

3. Supportive Environment: In a homesharing arrangement, sharers provide practical support during times of illness or other age-related challenges. They assist with tasks such as grocery shopping, transportation to medical appointments or providing emotional support during recovery periods.

   By participating in a homeshare arrangement, an older householder safeguards their independence and reduces the need for them to engage with a full-time live-in carer or transition prematurely into a long term care facility.