HomeShare Ireland: A Lifeline for Renters and Seniors Alike
When Mary (not her real name) stumbled upon a listing for a room in Cork priced at just €240 per month, she was skeptical. “I thought there might be a mistake,” she recalls. “Perhaps the rent was €240 per week.” But to her surprise, the ad was accurate—and it was part of a unique initiative by homeshare Ireland, the country’s only not-for-profit home-share program.
Founded in 2017 by CEO Lucie Cunningham, HomeShare Ireland has become a beacon of hope for both Ireland’s ageing population and renters struggling with soaring housing costs. The program connects older adults who need companionship and support with individuals seeking affordable accommodation. For Mary, a career-changer in her forties, the arrangement was a perfect fit.
“The idea of living with somebody older and still having my independence and being able to cover my mortgage at home sounded great to me,” she says.
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Mary’s experience offers a glimpse into the program’s mechanics. After applying, she was interviewed by the householder, Claire (not her real name), and some of Claire’s children. Once the match was made, Mary underwent Garda vetting and signed a contract with HomeShare.
For €240 per month plus €65 toward utilities,Mary has her own bedroom and bathroom on the first floor of Claire’s home.In return, she provides ten hours of companionship and light household chores each week.
“Our backgrounds are very different,” Mary notes. “Claire grew up in dublin, whereas I grew up in a very rural location. From that viewpoint, it’s interesting to chat.”
A Win-Win for All
The benefits of HomeShare extend beyond affordability. For Claire, a widow of three years, the arrangement alleviates loneliness. The two women frequently enough share meals, go for walks, and keep each other company in the evenings.
“I feel we both want the same thing,” Mary says. “My circumstances suit Claire, and her circumstances suit me.”
Claire’s family, especially her daughter in Italy, also finds comfort in the arrangement. “With none of her siblings living in Cork, the HomeShare arrangement has given the family peace of mind,” Mary explains.
The Bigger Picture
HomeShare Ireland is more than just a housing solution—it’s a community-building initiative.By fostering intergenerational connections, it helps older adults maintain their independence while offering renters a stable and affordable living situation.
Mary’s story is a testament to the program’s success. “I couldn’t do what I’m doing if it wasn’t for HomeShare,” she says. “It has allowed me a cushion to start on the road to a new career.”
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Cost | €240/month rent + €65/month utilities |
| Commitment | 10 hours/week of companionship and light chores |
| Living Arrangement | Private bedroom and bathroom; shared common areas |
| Support | Ongoing monitoring and support from HomeShare Ireland |
| Eligibility | Open to renters and older adults seeking companionship and affordable living|
A Model for the Future
As Ireland’s housing crisis continues to escalate, initiatives like HomeShare Ireland offer a glimmer of hope. By addressing the needs of both renters and seniors, the program demonstrates how innovative solutions can create meaningful change.
For Mary, the experience has been transformative. “It’s been a fortuitous match,” she says. And for countless others, HomeShare Ireland may just be the lifeline they’ve been searching for.
Interested in learning more about HomeShare Ireland? Visit their official website to explore how you can get involved.How HomeShare is Revolutionizing Independent Living for Seniors
For many seniors, the desire to remain in their own homes is strong, but the challenges of aging can make this dream tough to achieve. Enter HomeShare, a innovative solution that is transforming the way older adults maintain their independence while receiving the support they need.
Take the story of Sarah’s mother, a 76-year-old woman who manages her diabetes independently and still drives. Despite her independence,Sarah felt that having someone in the house was a “really good option.” Initially, her mother resisted the idea, saying, “When we suggested HomeShare, mum saeid we should leave her alone and stop fussing.She said she was fine. But she wanted to stay in her home.”
The family had explored alternatives like sheltered accommodation in Kinsale and Douglas, as well as downsizing. However,Sarah’s mother’s attachment to her lovely home made these options unappealing. “Mum’s house is beautiful, and she really wants to remain there,” Sarah explained.
HomeShare’s model is simple yet effective.For a one-time placement fee of €430, the householder is covered for all arrangements, even if a new house-sharer is needed. Additionally,a monthly fee of €240 ensures ongoing support,including monthly visits and 24/7 emergency assistance.
the benefits extend beyond practical support. sarah’s mother, Claire, had been feeling isolated after her husband’s death, which affected her speech and confidence. “claire admitted that as she was spending a lot of time on her own, she felt that she was slower talking and slower to find the right words,” Sarah shared. Though, as joining HomeShare, Claire’s companionship has alleviated these issues. She continues to attend her weekly exercise class, living life on her own terms.The arrangement is a win-win for both parties. The house-sharer gains affordable accommodation, while the householder receives companionship and support. Sarah, who lives in Italy, noted the cultural differences in elder care. “My girlfriends are pretty busy,doing the shopping for their grandparents,making meals for them,and bringing them to medical visits. Mostly, older people remain in their own homes,” she said.
In Italy, family ties are strong, and many older adults stay in the communities where they grew up. “Italians don’t tend to move much; they mostly live in the area they grew up in, so generally, there is a lot of family around,” Sarah explained.for Sarah’s family, HomeShare has been a lifeline. With only two of her five siblings living in Ireland, the scheme ensures her mother’s well-being.“If Mary is going away for a few days, she has to give us advance notice, and then we would ring mum more frequently enough,” Sarah said.
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Placement Fee | €430 (covers all arrangements, even if a new house-sharer is needed) |
| Monthly Fee | €240 (includes monthly visits and 24/7 emergency support) |
| Benefits | Companionship, support, and the ability to remain in one’s own home |
| Cultural Context | In Italy, older adults frequently enough stay in their homes with family support |
HomeShare is more than just a service; it’s a movement that empowers seniors to live independently while fostering meaningful connections. For families like Sarah’s, it’s a solution that brings peace of mind and preserves the dignity of aging loved ones.
For many seniors, the desire to remain in their own homes is strong, but the challenges of aging can make this dream tough to achieve. Enter HomeShare, an innovative solution that is transforming the way older adults maintain their independence while receiving the support they need.
The Story of sarah’s Mother
Take the story of Sarah’s mother, a 76-year-old woman who manages her diabetes independently and still drives.Despite her independence, Sarah felt that having someone in the house was a “really good option.” Initially, her mother resisted the idea, saying, “When we suggested HomeShare, mum said we should leave her alone and stop fussing. She said she was fine. But she wanted to stay in her home.”
The family had explored alternatives like sheltered accommodation in Kinsale and Douglas,and also downsizing. Though,Sarah’s mother’s attachment to her lovely home made these options unappealing.“Mum’s house is beautiful, and she really wants to remain there,” Sarah explained.
HomeShare’s model is simple yet effective. For a one-time placement fee of €430, the householder is covered for all arrangements, even if a new house-sharer is needed. Additionally, a monthly fee of €240 ensures ongoing support, including monthly visits and 24/7 emergency assistance.
The benefits extend beyond practical support. Sarah’s mother, Claire, had been feeling isolated after her husband’s death, which affected her speech and confidence. “claire admitted that as she was spending a lot of time on her own, she felt that she was slower talking and slower to find the right words,” Sarah shared. Sence joining HomeShare, Claire’s companionship has alleviated these issues. She continues to attend her weekly exercise class, living life on her own terms.
A Win-Win Arrangement
The arrangement is a win-win for both parties. The house-sharer gains affordable accommodation, while the householder receives companionship and support. Sarah, who lives in Italy, noted the cultural differences in elder care. “My girlfriends are pretty busy, doing the shopping for their grandparents, making meals for them, and bringing them to medical visits. Mostly, older people remain in their own homes,” she said.
In Italy, family ties are strong, and many older adults stay in the communities where they grew up. “Italians don’t tend to move much; they mostly live in the area they grew up in, so generally, there is a lot of family around,” Sarah explained. For Sarah’s family, HomeShare has been a lifeline. With only two of her five siblings living in Ireland, the scheme ensures her mother’s well-being.“if Mary is going away for a few days, she has to give us advance notice, and then we would ring mum more frequently,” Sarah said.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| placement Fee | €430 (covers all arrangements, even if a new house-sharer is needed) |
| monthly Fee | €240 (includes monthly visits and 24/7 emergency support) |
| Benefits | Companionship, support, and the ability to remain in one’s own home |
| Cultural context | In Italy, older adults frequently stay in their homes with family support |
Conclusion
HomeShare is more than just a service; it’s a movement that empowers seniors to live independently while fostering meaningful connections. For families like Sarah’s, it’s a solution that brings peace of mind and preserves the dignity of aging loved ones.
Interested in learning more about HomeShare Ireland? Visit their official website to explore how you can get involved.
