"Homeshare fosters connections between
kind people, creating a supportive
community that strengthens society."
Usually someone over 70 who wants to remain independent at home but could use a bit of company or light help. Many live alone, but couples are welcome to apply too, so long as they have a spare room to offer. The home doesn’t need to be ‘owned’, rented properties are fine too. This is not an appropriate concept for anyone who needs or expects personal care.
Sharers offer around 10 hours a week of agreed support — this might include shopping, tidying, cooking, admin, or simply being present in the evenings. This support is agreed during the facilitated matching and trial phase so that all expectations are laid out.
No. Instead of paying market rent, sharers contribute time and companionship. There is a small monthly fee to Homeshare Scotland to cover admin and support.
All sharers go through references, interviews, background checks and a careful matching process to ensure suitability and safety.
Homeowners are to disclose any spent or unspent criminal convictions. This does not mean they are excluded from the process but the information is to be shared with us.
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.
It’s really as few or as many as is necessary. We often see children of the homeowner or even parents and guardians of the sharer being involved in the final match decisions. We do recommend limiting it to immediate family so that they 2 key people have the largest opinion – the homeowner and the sharer.
Yes. We offer an initial trial phase which is usually two weeks-long so both householder and sharer can get used to the arrangement before committing long term. This trial is fully supported by the Homeshare Scotland team.
No. Sharers have their own jobs, studies, and lives. They’re not carers, and they’re encouraged to maintain a balance. During the match process an expectation will be set for an approximate number of nights per week that will be spent in the home. This is usually 6/7 nights. There is also an opportunity to discuss appropriate notice periods for any extended periods away from the home such as holidays or work requirements.
No. Homesharers do not provide any personal or medical care. If this is needed, it should be arranged separately. This also includes the expectation any lifting of a homeowner from the bath/floor etc.
We’d like to think that every match is perfect. If any changes do occur we’ll listen to your feedback and help you find a better fit if necessary. This is a fully supported process.
We would hope that by the time the match is finalised, all parties are happy with each other. If, however, any issues arise we are able to support and mediate to find an appropriate solution.
This isn’t an area that falls under the jurisdiction of Homeshare Scotland, however, during the onboarding process we do make it clear to any Homeowner that they shouldn’t make any changes to their Will and if they would like to they should consult their family.
During the initial match and trial phase we would have spoken about this so that expectations are set which will hopefully avoid this kind of situation. If it does we would encourage you to speak to each other about it and if we need to the Homeshare Scotland team can step in to help facilitate conversations and solutions.
We understand that life happens. We do expect that both parties adhere to the 9 month initial homeshare phase but if this needs to be amended we will work with both parties to ensure that the transition out of the scheme is smooth and if a replacement is required we’ll work as fast as we can to secure another good match.
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