Essential Support for Elderly Parents Living Alone in Ireland: How Home-Share Helps Families in Dublin & Nationwide

More older adults across Ireland — especially in Dublin — are now living alone. While independence is a wonderful thing, it can also bring challenges: loneliness, difficulty with everyday tasks, mobility issues, safety concerns at night, and the growing fear that something might happen when no one is there.

For adult children aged 50+, this can be stressful and emotionally heavy. Many families search online for support for an elderly parent living alone, hoping to find a solution that feels safe, human, and respectful.

Elder Home Share is one option that provides gentle, affordable support while allowing older adults to remain in the comfort of their own home — with companionship and reassurance built into everyday life.

What Is Home-Share — and Why It Matters

Home-share is a simple yet powerful arrangement: A vetted, responsible adult moves into an older person’s home and offers:

• Companionship

• Light household help

• A reassuring presence

• Evening and night-time security

• Shared conversation and human connection

In exchange, the companion receives affordable accommodation.

Most companions are aged 25–40, working or studying, and seeking a stable home environment. Home-share is not clinical care — it’s support, warmth and presence.

Safe, Vetted & Carefully Managed

At Elder Home Share, safety is at the heart of everything we do.

Every match includes:

• Character reference checks

• Optional Garda vetting

• A clear written agreement

• House rules for privacy and boundaries

• Regular follow-ups to support the match

Families retain full control — you meet the potential companion, ask questions, and only proceed if it feels right.

“Adriana and Mr. Guérin, whose home-share match grew into a warm and supportive friendship.”

Reducing Loneliness for Older Adults Living Alone

According to The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, 1 in 3 older adults experiences loneliness. This is one of the biggest concerns we hear from families in Dublin and nationwide.

A home-share companion can transform a quiet house into a warm, welcoming place again.

⭐ Real Family Experience

Mary McStay shared:

“Mum’s companion was caring, trustworthy, friendly and supportive. It gave our family much ease and lessening of stress and worry about our mum — especially overnight.”

This is exactly why home-share works — daily connection, emotional reassurance and the simple comfort of someone being there.

We’ve seen this in many matches. For example, Adriana and Mr. Guérin, whose intergenerational friendship grew into a genuine bond full of shared stories, laughter and support.

Encouraging Social Connections — Not Replacing Them

Home-share is not meant to replace family or community — it expands support.

Sharon, whose mother lives in Dublin, shared:

“The Elder Home Share programme has enabled my elderly mum to remain in her own home feeling safe and secure since my Dad passed away. Knowing that someone was sharing the house with Mum gave the family great peace. I would highly recommend it to any family.”

Planning Ahead: Long-Term Support Options

Many older adults wish to age in place, and home-share supports this beautifully. However, when needs grow more complex, families may need to explore:

• HSE Home Care Packages

• Private home carers

• Long-term residential care

• Fair Deal financial support

Elder Home Share regularly refers families to Fair Deal Advice, a professional service that helps navigate the Nursing Home Support Scheme. It’s important to plan ahead — calmly and without fear — so your parent’s future support is organised early.

Helping Elderly Loved Ones Thrive at Home

Supporting an elderly parent living alone can feel overwhelming. But the journey also brings opportunities for meaningful connection, clarity, and reassurance.

A home-share arrangement can:

• reduce loneliness

• create safety at night

• ease daily routines

• offer emotional connection

• support independence

• bring peace of mind to the whole family

  
  

And most importantly — it allows your parent to stay at home, where they feel most comfortable.

If you’d like to learn more or review available companion profiles, we’d love to help.