“Pets, Elder Companionship, and Elder Home Share: Why Furry Friends Make Matches Stronger”

Companionship Comes in Many Forms: How Pets Enrich Elder Home Share Matches

At ElderHomeShare, our mission has always been simple: to create safe, supportive matches that allow older people to remain in their own homes while enjoying the comfort of companionship. What’s becoming more common — and more joyful — is that sometimes that companionship includes a four-legged friend. 🐕🐈

The Value of Pets for Older People

Research consistently shows that pets can have a powerful impact on wellbeing:

• Emotional support – A cat curled up in your lap or a dog wagging its tail at the door can ease loneliness and lift moods.

• Routine & purpose – Pets thrive on routine, and that gentle responsibility can bring structure and daily motivation.

• Physical health – Walking a dog encourages light exercise and fresh air, while stroking a pet can reduce stress levels.

• Connection – Pets are wonderful ice-breakers, sparking conversation and helping to build bonds within the home.

How Elder Home Share Fits In

When an older homeowner welcomes a sharer into their home, it’s about more than just practical support. It’s about creating a living environment filled with warmth, trust, and companionship. For those with pets, it’s also about peace of mind — knowing that their dog or cat is part of the household rhythm, with extra company and care when needed.

For sharers, moving into a home where a pet is present often adds joy too. Many of our sharers tell us that they love the “family feel” of a home that includes a beloved animal.

Starting the Conversation with a Parent

We know that talking to an older parent about bringing a companion into their home isn’t always easy. It can feel like a sensitive topic — nobody wants to suggest that their parent isn’t coping.

That’s why sometimes it helps to start the conversation in a softer way. For homeowners who have pets, highlighting the extra support a sharer can give with daily routines — such as walking the dog, feeding the cat, or simply being around to share the joy of a pet — can feel like a more natural entry point.

It takes the direct focus off “needing help at home” and instead emphasizes something positive: the homeowner, their pet, and the sharer all benefiting from companionship and care together.

Our Mission and Values

At Elder Home Share, we believe:

• Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported in their own home.

• Intergenerational living brings unique benefits: shared stories, mutual respect, and genuine companionship.

• Connection is at the heart of wellbeing — whether it comes from a cup of tea, a chat in the kitchen, or the gentle sound of a purring cat.

🐾 A Purr-fect Partnership

Some of our most memorable matches have included pets — a gentle reminder that companionship comes in many forms. Whether it’s helping to feed the cat, enjoying the laughter a playful dog brings, or simply sharing a sofa on a quiet evening, pets add another layer of comfort to the Elder Home Share experience.

Do you have a loved one who might benefit from the companionship of a sharer — and maybe a wagging tail or two along the way?

Learn more at elderomeshare.ie