Novus Homeshare supports older people at home by matching people who need help or support around the house with people who need affordable accommodation and are willing to help out. The programme helps older people to remain in their own home, keep their independence and feel more secure with live-in support.
Home sharers commit to 10 hours per week doing things like cooking, cleaning, shopping, help with computers or gardening, in exchange of accommodation. The advantages of being involved are:
- It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement – not service user and service provider.
- A service for people not eligible for council support
- It reduces the risk of falls and ill-health, and delays the need for health and social care services
- Provides affordable accommodation for key workers
- Promotes intergenerational understanding
- Part of the solution for the care crisis and London living cost