If you are helping your elderly loved one with deciding where to live, senior home share match-up programs might be one option to consider. These programs allow seniors to receive rent or help around the house from their housemates in exchange for giving them private rooms. Older adults may either rent their homes from someone else or own them. The staff at Elder Care Direction can help you to decide whether this is a good choice for you.
Benefits of homesharing
Senior citizens may derive several benefits from home sharing, including the following:
- Postponing moves to assisted living
- Having an added source of income
- Getting help around the house
- Having transportation
- Enjoying more safety
- Having a companion to talk to
In addition to the senior citizens, the potential housemates may also benefit from home sharing. Doing so may allow people who work part-time, have recently retired or are students to find a place to live. Others may also derive benefits from companionship and greater security than they might enjoy by living alone.
The matching process
Home share programs match seniors and housemates by going through several different steps. Both the home provider and the person seeking a home begin by applying to the program. They will then undergo in-person interviews so that the program staff will be able to make better matches. Prior to starting the matching process, a staff person will conduct a home visit. The home seeker’s references will be checked by either the staff or the homeowner. Some programs require home seekers to submit to fingerprint checks.
The program staff will identify matches and have the potential housemates meet at the home. If they think that it will work out, they will then draw up the home share agreement. The staff at different home share programs may have varying levels of involvement. Some only provide matches and guidelines while others are available to mediate disputes after the agreements are finalized.
The home share agreement
The written home share agreement outlines all of the expectations and obligations of both parties. It also lists restrictions. The particular provisions will vary depending on the needs of the home providers. The agreement should list how much notice a participant will need to give before exiting the program. It should also outline reasons for the immediate termination of the home share. To learn more about home shares and other senior living options, contact Elder Care Direction today.
