A new scheme is being introduced in Herefordshire before being extended throughout the UK. It involves two or more older adults who like doing the same things, sharing a home of their own together, with weekly support from the scheme in whatever they need.

It’s a simple way of helping people to help each other and is about keeping your independence whilst finding 24 hour companionship and saving money.

Liz Davis from Sharing Together said “Living in a home of your own with someone of the same generation means you can share the small and the large things, such as sharing a meal, watching TV, talking through a problem. It’s much easier to go out to things you like doing, such as the theatre or a day out, with someone you know well.

“Why hasn’t it been conceived of before? Probably because it can be hard to know where to start if arranging it yourself and the impact of an ageing population is now forcing us to think more creatively. Sharing a home just needs guidance, support and timely intervention, all of which are incorporated in the ‘Sharing Together’ scheme.

“By thinking through all scenarios for you, the scheme answers the questions that come to mind such as: ‘Are we going to cook together?’, ‘What about personal space?’ or ‘What happens if one of us leaves?’ Allowing you to consider each question and choose what you want to happen in advance with your own personal living agreement arranged by the scheme.

“The other key ingredient is the ongoing flexible support given by your own local Home Supporter. Someone you’ll get to know well and will support you from establishing your home share to weekly visits and continuous telephone support to arrange anything you need or would like to do – whether it’s home help, a repair, transport etc.

“The final piece of the puzzle is that unlike other older living options that can have substantial costs, sharing together actually saves money through shared living expenses and the savings would normally be greater than any support costs.”

The percentage of older people in the UK is forecast to grow from 18% in 2016 to 24.7% in 2046. Current pressures on social care budgets have led to English councils planning to make social care cuts of £700m in 2018-19. If you combine this with the urgency to release housing capacity in the UK, the social, moral and economic need to deliver enjoyable and sustainable options for ‘our extra 30 years’ is huge.

For more inforation contact Older Adult Home Share & Support on 0203 0062859 or visit https://www.cloud9gb.co.uk/