The largest homeshare organisation in the UK, Share and Care Homeshare, a Community Interest Company that runs arrangements to support older people to live independently in their own homes, has introduced a new service, ‘Helpful Housemates’, through its sister company, Unity Living.
Helpful Housemates is a way for older people to gain some practical support around the house with day-to-day tasks, whilst also earning some money from the rent.
The Helpful Housemates scheme enables older people, often aged between 60 and 80, to earn money by renting out their spare room to a vetted lodger who can assist with odd jobs.
The lodger pays the homeowner a reduced rent and pledges to help out with a few small jobs such as replacing a light bulb, taking the bins out, collecting some groceries, or even putting together a light dinner; providing approximately 5 hours per week of ad-hoc support or company. The careful vetting gives peace-of-mind, as does the additional tax free income, which is especially welcome in this time of escalating living costs.
Amanda Clarke and Caroline Cooke, co-founders, said, “Helpful Housemates is a brilliant initiative that is best suited to older people who like the idea of giving someone else a home and receiving the income from having a lodger, but also for those who would welcome a little companionship and light practical support around the home. It is ideal for those people who require a much lighter level of support than a traditional Homeshare model.”
The Helpful Housemates team handle the search, and ensure that all candidates are DBS checked, interviewed, credit-checked, and reference-checked. The team is also on hand to provide continued support to the host and lodger as needed.
If you know someone who would benefit from having a ‘Helpful Housemate,’ please contact 020 3983 0809 or for more information visit HERE