Homeshare in Ireland: How It Works, Costs, Benefits & Real Stories from ElderHomeShare

Do you have an elderly parent living alone who’d prefer to stay in their own home? Or perhaps you’re interested in becoming a homeshare companion? Elder Home Share provides a safe and supportive solution: seniors get companionship and light help at home, while companions gain affordable accommodation and meaningful connections.

Founded in 2015, Elder Home Share has been matching elderly homeowners with vetted companions since early 2016. Our mission is simple — to bring peace of mind, safety, and friendship into Irish homes.

Here is how homeshare works in Ireland, what it costs, the benefits for everyone involved, and real stories from families who’ve experienced the difference.

What Is Homeshare & How It Works

Founder Saoirse Sheridan says:

“Homeshare is a simple but powerful idea. Elderly homeowners are matched with carefully vetted companions who live with them, providing not just practical help, but friendship and peace of mind.”

At its heart, homeshare offers:

• Friendship and company

• A presence in the home, especially at night

• Light household help

Both homeowners and companions undergo a thorough process — including family interviews, reference checks, and optional Garda vetting — before a match is made.

It’s important to note that home share companions are not carers. They don’t provide personal or medical care — instead, they offer social support and companionship, making homeshare a complement to, not a replacement for, formal care.

Mary Finlay out for a walk with her home share companions dog Missy, a very welcome addition to the home share

Costs & Arrangements

There are modest fees for both homeowners and companions.

• To view our current fees, click here.

• Companions may contribute to household bills, depending on the arrangement.

Benefits of Homeshare

For Elderly Homeowners

• Companionship and reduced isolation

• Peace of mind knowing someone is present in the home

• Greater sense of safety, particularly overnight

For Companions

• Affordable accommodation in welcoming homes

• A chance to form meaningful relationships

• A sense of purpose beyond renting a room

Many families tell us that homeshare offers reassurance and reduces the stress of worrying about a loved one living alone.

Real Stories from Families & Companions

“My father, my siblings and I were delighted with the elder home share match. My father had a wonderful companion which allowed him to stay in his own home. Saoirse was very supportive and professional throughout the process and was always available with advice and support even after the house share was established.”— Deirdre, Dublin

“The Elder Home Share Programme has enabled my elderly Mum Mary to remain in her own home feeling safe and secure … Knowing that there was a very special person sharing the house with Mum gave the family great peace.”— Sharon O’Malley

“I want to thank Saoirse for providing us with excellent Elder Home Share companions for my elderly mother. They have been so caring, trustworthy, friendly, clean and supportive … it has given the family much ease and lessened the stress of worrying about my mother being on her own especially overnight.”— Mary McStay

These testimonials show that homeshare is more than a service — it’s a lifeline that enriches lives on both sides.

What Makes a Good Match

As Saoirse explains:

“The best homeshare matches are built on compatibility, clear boundaries, and trust. When those pieces come together, the arrangement becomes a source of comfort for the homeowner and a meaningful experience for the companion.”

Key ingredients include:

• Compatibility: shared routines, values, and personalities

• Clear boundaries: knowing what the companion can and cannot do

• Communication: regular updates and openness from both parties

• Safety & vetting: background checks, references, and agreements in place

How to Get Started with Elder Home Share

It’s simple to begin your homeshare journey:

1. Register on our homepage

2. We’ll contact you to discuss your parents’ needs and start the matching process.

3. For companions: you’ll receive email notifications when new opportunities become available.

Why Homeshare Could Be Right for You

If you’re a family worried about an elderly loved one, homeshare provides:

• Safety, reassurance, and social support

• The chance for your parent to remain in their own home

• Peace of mind for the entire family

If you’re considering becoming a companion, homeshare offers:

• Affordable living

• The chance to make a real difference.

Homeshare isn’t for every household, but for many, it’s been life-changing. Real stories from Elder Home Share families show how it brings companionship, safety, and connection into people’s lives.

If you’d like to explore whether homeshare is right for your family — or if you’re interested in becoming a companion — contact Elder Home Share today. We’d love to help you find the right match.