Stay Home Longer.
Live Better. Together.

How HomeSharing Works

Householders are people who have a home they are open to sharing but require a little support and companionship in return. Householders with a room to spare are carefully matched with Garda-vetted accommodation seekers (Homesharers), based on their support requirements, shared interests, and personality.

The Homesharer provides 10 hours of practical support and companionship, as well as an overnight presence each week (minimum 5–6 nights per week) in exchange for their accommodation. Support includes companionship, household chores, shopping, gardening, and meal preparation.

Importantly, Homesharers do not provide personal care and are not a replacement for live-in carers or housekeepers. Homesharing is a voluntary arrangement between both parties, supported throughout by THE HomeShare through ongoing monitoring, guidance, and review.

Clare & Miriam

A HomeShare Match That Changed Two Lives

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.

Pat, Martin & Mary

Living Well Together Through THE HomeShare

At 96 years of age, Pat is a powerful example of what it means to age positively. 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.