Everything you need to know about finding a home

Homesharers are responsible, kind, and mature individuals who are willing to provide companionship and support in exchange for affordable accommodation. The minimum requirements are:

• Fill in a National Vetting Bureau's Garda clearance check form for online vetting. This form is completed with your HomeShare Consultant at introduction stage, and not before.
• Homesharers must be over 21 years of age
• Be in full or part time employment or education
• Excellent communication skills and spoken English

Homesharers must be willing to provide the following:

• 3 written references which can be verbally validated by THE HomeShare Team
• Fill in a National Vetting Bureau's Garda clearance check form for online vetting
• Valid GNIB visa and proof of study (if applicable)

As each match is bespoke, responsibilities will vary, however the majority of Homesharers provide support in the following areas:

• Light household chores (putting the bins out weekly, light hoovering, and similar tasks)
• Providing companionship (daily, outside of work and social commitments)
• Light meal preparation (peeling vegetables, preparing sandwiches)
• Running errands such as topping up shopping
• Providing an overnight presence in the home is of most importance to Householders. By sleeping in the home 6 out of 7 nights per week, you provide the Householder with peace of mind and a sense of security.
• In the event of an emergency, you are not expected to provide first aid, but make contact with family or emergency services if necessary.

Part of the minimum expectations of being a Homesharer is providing up to 10 hours per week of practical support and companionship. While most opportunities will require some level of support, predominantly homesharing focuses on spending meaningful time together. Sharing an evening meal, having a chat over a cuppa, or maybe even going for a short stroll together.

As a Homesharer, in exchange for providing some companionship and practical support, you gain safe, homely, and affordable accommodation with the added bonus of an extended support system through THE HomeShare Team. The benefits of Homesharing go both ways. The Householder gains some company, but so do you, building an intergenerational relationship where both parties gain from one another. You have the opportunity to save for your own future, while giving back to society and making meaningful connections.

THE HomeShare typically places single individuals as this is what is requested by Householders. In some cases, Householders may be open to a couple sharing, which will be clearly indicated within our listings. Placing Homesharers with pets can be difficult as animals pose a potential trip hazard, however if the Householder is happy to share with pets, this will again be clearly indicated within our listings. Unfortunately, we are unable to place families or children within our Homeshare arrangements.

• Complete our online application.
• Wait for THE HomeShare to contact you about potential Homesharing opportunities.
• Respond to HomeShare opportunities that you are interested in by emailing us at info@thehomeshare.ie.
• If you are shortlisted, THE HomeShare will phone you to discuss the opportunity in more detail, and if you are happy to be put forward, we will share a brief description of you with the Householder and their family.
• If the family would like to meet with you, we will arrange a suitable time and date to introduce you in person at the Householder's home.
• If you are selected and happy to move forward to a HomeShare trial, you will need to ensure THE HomeShare Team have your three referees' details, and that you have provided proof of current address and a copy of photo ID for Garda vetting purposes.
• A HomeShare agreement is drafted outlining the boundaries and expectations within your bespoke arrangement.
• Finally, a date is chosen, you move in, and you begin your HomeShare journey.

Oftentimes after the trial period has ended and you and your match have gotten to know one another better, Householders are happy for a Homesharer to have a friend over for dinner every so often. Within THE HomeShare Agreement we expressly state no visitors or overnight guests, however this is purely at the discretion of the Householder and should also be discussed with the Householder's family or Next of Kin to ensure all are comfortable with guests visiting the home.

Each Homesharer is free to spend one night away from the home each week as part of THE HomeShare Agreement. Homesharers are also free to spend one weekend away from the home each month once the Householder and family have been informed with reasonable notice.

Overnight guests are not permitted as part of THE HomeShare Agreement, however some Householders may be open to a family member staying if traveling from abroad (this is purely at the discretion of the Householder). Partners staying overnight are outside the bounds of THE HomeShare Agreement.

Holidays away are of course permitted. We all need a break from time to time. A holiday away for up to 2 weeks at a time is perfectly ok once the Householder and family have been given appropriate notice (typically one month's notice for periods of one week or more away from the home).

Should your circumstances change, or you feel the homeshare arrangement is no longer working for you, we ask that Homesharers provide one month's notice. It is expected that within the notice period, Homesharers will continue to provide the agreed level of practical support and overnight presence.

The same, one month's notice will be provided should the Householder need or choose to end the arrangement. However, should you, the Homesharer, violate THE HomeShare Agreement, the agreement can be terminated with immediate effect. This can only happen where there has been a gross breach of conduct (for example, abuse), or if there is a complete breakdown in communication or irreconcilable differences.

As a Homesharer you are not responsible for the care of the Householder, however it is expected that you make contact with their Next of Kin or family to inform them of any health concerns you may have about the Householder, and in cases of emergency, contact the emergency services.

If ever you weren't sure what call to make, you can contact THE HomeShare Team for guidance and support.

Yes. There is a two week trial period to allow you and your Householder to get to know one another and get a feel for each other's preferences before making a decision as to whether the arrangement or match is the right fit for you. THE HomeShare team check in every few days during the trial to ensure all is going well, and are available should you have any questions or concerns.

THE HomeShare Team is available should you have any concerns, however we advise that you first speak directly with your Householder or their Next of Kin. If you aren't sure how to approach a topic, we're here to help.

The average age of our Householders is 86, which means that for the most part, Householders will require some level of care. Most, if not all Householders have the support of in-home care provided by the HSE that is delivered daily. If your Householder's care needs change however, and they require long term care, you will be provided with a minimum of one month's notice to find alternative accommodation. THE HomeShare Team will of course support you in finding another homeshare match, however we cannot guarantee a new placement.

There is a once off Placement Fee of €350 + VAT, payable only after we have introduced you to a Householder and you have chosen to move forward to a HomeShare trial. This fee covers you for all future Homeshare arrangements with THE HomeShare. If one match ends and you move on to another, no additional placement fee applies.

If after your two week trial you decide to continue, a Monthly Support Fee applies. This fee covers the cost of your accommodation and our ongoing monitoring and support:

• Rural areas: €280 + VAT per month
• Urban areas: €320 + VAT per month

Householders may also seek a contribution toward utilities, typically €65 per month, paid directly to the Householder.