Together Helping Each Other

After a lengthy hospital admission, Clare returned home to face life alone. In her 50s and living with a disability, Clare is a wheelchair user who values her independence, but found living alone lonely and daunting. She knew she would benefit from sharing her home and having someone else around for reassurance and companionship.

Through THE HomeShare programme, Clare was matched with Miriam, a woman in her 20s who grew up in America and moved to Ireland to further her studies and build a new life. The match began in April 2025 and continues successfully today.

For Clare, Homeshare has brought comfort, confidence and peace of mind. Having Miriam in the home has reduced her feelings of loneliness and eased her anxiety about living alone, particularly at night. Everyday interactions, shared conversations and companionship have helped Clare feel more secure and connected in her own home.

For Miriam, Homeshare has provided more than accommodation. Moving to a new country can be isolating, but living with Clare has given her stability, belonging and a supportive base as she settles into life in Ireland. The experience has also offered valuable insight into disability, independence and intergenerational living.

Together, Clare and Miriam have built a respectful and supportive relationship that benefits them both. Their story demonstrates the power of Homeshare to reduce loneliness, create connection and transform lives, one shared home at a time.

A member of THE HomeShare community for six years, Pat believes that living well comes down to three simple things: good nutrition, regular movement and meaningful company.

While Pat remains independent and active, he recognised that as he grew older, the reassurance of not being alone at night became increasingly important. Rather than facing those hours with uncertainty, Pat made the proactive decision to open his home to two Homeshare Sharers, ensuring he always has the comfort of a nightly presence.

Martin brings music and positivity into Pat's life, two things that lift Pat's spirit and keep his home full of energy and joy. Their shared appreciation for music creates moments of connection that brighten everyday life.

Mary brings something equally vital. Through daily prayer and shared spirituality, she supports an aspect of Pat's life that gives him strength, peace and purpose. Faith plays an important role in Pat's wellbeing, contributing to both his emotional health and remarkable longevity.

Together, Martin and Mary create a home filled with warmth, companionship and reassurance, allowing Pat to continue living safely, confidently and on his own terms.

Homesharing is a relationship built on mutual benefit. While Pat gains security and connection, both Martin and Mary are able to save for their own futures, accessing affordable housing while making a meaningful difference in someone else's life.

Pat's story reminds us that ageing well is not about doing things alone. It is about sharing life, staying connected and feeling safe at home. Through THE HomeShare, Pat has all the ingredients he needs to live the best life he can.

Joan, an independent and spirited woman in her early 90s, has always prided herself on living alone and independently in her Dublin home. However, after experiencing recurrent falls and infections, her family grew increasingly concerned about her safety. Following her latest week's admission from an acute hospital, Joan was transferred to a step-down unit, where she was advised to consider a Homesharer to provide companionship and support incase of another fall. Initially, Joan was hesitant—sharing her home after a lifetime of independence was daunting. However, after much reassurance, she agreed to a two-week trial.

Understanding Joan’s love for travel and engaging conversation, we carefully matched her with Monica, a woman in her 40s with similar interests and a passion for writing. From the outset, the connection between them was natural, and as Joan settled back home, Monica moved in. In the following weeks, Joan had two minor falls, but unlike before, she wasn’t alone. Monica was there to assist her, ensuring she was comfortable and safe, which in turn alleviated the family's constant worry.

Now, six months on, the arrangement has exceeded expectations. Joan has regained her confidence, knowing that help is readily available if needed. Her family is at ease, able to enjoy quality time with their mother without the ongoing fear of her being alone at night. Meanwhile, Monica has found a comfortable home environment where she can focus on her writing. She has already enrolled in writing courses to develop her passion further, something she had long put off.

This Homeshare match underscores the benefits not just for Joan and Monica but also for Joan’s family and the step-down unit. The successful discharge allowed hospital resources to be allocated effectively while ensuring Joan's continued well-being. Their story highlights the true power of shared living—enhancing safety, companionship, and personal growth for all involved.