Fulham resident Angela Kirby, 93, has welcomed lodgers into her home for more than three decades. After turning 90, and following a fall, Angela decided it was time for a different kind of support. She discovered homesharing, an arrangement that has since transformed her daily life.
Share and Care Homeshare, the UK’s largest homeshare Community Interest Company (CIC), matched Angela with a woman in her 40s who now lives with her, offering companionship and up to 10 hours of practical support each week in exchange for low‑cost accommodation.
Homeshare is a community-based living experience that brings together older people who want to remain independent at home with individuals seeking affordable living. In return for low‑cost rent, Sharers offer help with everyday tasks, companionship, and an added sense of security.
“I had never heard of homesharing before. After my fall, my children and I thought it would be a good idea to have someone around the home. Now that I’ve experienced it, I think it’s a really lovely idea. I’ve already recommended it to friends. It gives my family such comfort and peace of mind,” explains Angela.
Angela’s Sharer works full-time, and is home several evenings each week, and for some time over the weekends, to provide a helping hand, and company. Angela continues, “My Sharer helps out with many daily tasks around the home such as emptying the dishwasher or picking up the shopping. She also bakes a very good lemon drizzle cake!”
Share and Care Homeshare undertake rigorous interviews and vetting procedures, which has ensured that Angela has been matched with a sharer with similar interests.
For Angela, the benefits go beyond practical support, it’s the friendship. The two enjoy conversations about travel and books for instance. “Our homesharing arrangement is very relaxed. I really enjoy spending time talking with my Sharer; she’s had such an interesting career and travelled widely which I like to hear about. She loves reading, which is something that I have done all my life as a writer – I have written 12 books, some on cookery and gardening. I like having someone there for company and a little support.” Angela confirms.
Homeshare creates a circle of support for both older and younger people across London. With rising rents making it difficult for many younger adults to live locally, homesharing makes living in London more affordable. It also provides a sense of community and social connection, especially for people living alone, both younger and older.
“A growing desire for stronger community connections is driving more Londoners toward homesharing. Having companionship and someone to talk to at the end of the day offers a real lifeline and sense of belonging for younger and older people alike.
“For older people, like Angela, there is also the added bonus of having an extra pair of hands around the home – and it is this support that can enable older people to continue enjoying living independently in their own homes,” states Caroline Cooke, founder, Share and Care Homeshare.
Angela and her sharer each pay just £165 per month for the arrangement which, for the younger person, is significantly cheaper than rent and equally, far more affordable than live-in or residential care for the older people.
