We match older people looking for companionship and support
with vetted compatible live-in sharers seeking affordable accommodation
Homeshare Scotland provides a service which brings together two individuals who can support one another with the aim of improving quality of life. An older person who would like some companionship and help at home is carefully matched with a younger person who can provide this help, companionship and the reassurance of an overnight presence. The younger person benefits from a safe and comfortable place to live, significantly reduced bills and a new friend. The agreement is designed to be beneficial and considerate to both parties while also offering a sense of reassurance and security to families and loved ones.
Hosting a sharer in your home can really enhance life with the following benefits:
This can be a very rewarding living arrangement with the following benefits:
Assessing your needs
& proposing suitable
matches
Organising introduction meetings & a trial stay
Creating a clear agreement between both parties
Guidance to sharers & householders
Advice about
government & local
authority services
Guidance on best rate utilities & council tax
Support with Household Maintenance tasks
Ongoing calls & support throughout
A Companion provides up to ten hours of companionship and support each week helping with things like cooking, shopping, light cleaning, outings, technical support, laundry, overnight presence and any other agreed support. A Companion cannot perform personal care duties, but can supplement a pre-existing care package very nicely.
No money exchanges between the Companion and the Homeowner, other than a contribution to the utility bills, council tax (if applicable) and food.
Companions provide two referees that the Homeshare Scotland Team will make contact with via phone and email. Of these referees, one must be of a professional nature (i.e. landlord or employer), and the second can be another professional reference or character reference. Once a match is confirmed, a criminal record check (DBS or Disclosure Scotland) request is submitted on behalf of the Companion.
There is a one week trial period to allow you and your Companion to get to know one another and get a feel for each other’s preferences before making a decision as to whether the arrangement or match is the right fit for you both. The Homeshare Scotland team will check in during the trial to ensure all is going well and are available at any time should you have any questions or concerns.
Companions will require their own bedroom and access to a bathroom and kitchen. Bedrooms can be single or double, whichever you have available in your home, and there should be enough space for them to store their belongings in the home safely.
Once the agreement is made Homeshare Scotland charge a management fee to the Homeowner of £120 per month and the Companion £200 per month. No money exchanges between the Homeowner and the Companion, other than a possible contribution to the utility bills, council tax (if applicable) and food.
The vast majority of Homeshare agreements work very well, people gel and learn the rewarding benefits of living together. However, if you do want to cancel the arrangement there is a 30 day notice period to allow the Companion time to arrange alternative accommodation; sometimes requirements change and that’s no problem!
Get in touch,
or apply online
We’ll arrange a visit to
discuss your needs
We’ll present our proposed
matches to you
You can trial your
choice of housemate
