Homeshare schemes for the elderly

FreeBear

Murphybear said:  We’re having a Christmas party on Saturday, our parties are usually fun  

Ah... Memories of watching Waiting For God... Diana Trent makes for a fine role model

Alderbank

Thanks, I agree the 'suggested' time component is different.
But the companion role at homecarecompanions also excludes personal care and other forms of care*, exactly the same as Two Generations. 

*They do say pet care might be involved!

Jude57

roadweary said:

I hadn't intended to get into the suitability of the homesharer scheme.  But for context, a lodger / tenant might work for someone who is physically and mentally fitter than is true in this case.

It is also true to say that through research and references I have formed the view that Two Generation's selection, matching and vetting process is beyond anything than we could undertake for a lodger.  And a lodger has no obligation to spend quality time supporting the home owner - they are paying for a place to live in and lead their own lives.

The amount paid by the homeowner is very low.  The amount paid by the homesharer would not even pay for a room in a very shabby property in the location being discussed.  The house is constantly kept warm and we do not believe that utilities will significantly increase.  There is also every chance that a non-paying homesharer will not change the council tax situation but we will look into that.

Having discussed the background of the potential homesharer with Two Generations, and whilst they are undergoing various personal, work and DBS checks, we have had an hour long video call with them to learn more about them and for questionning and expectation setting in both directions.  The next stage is for an in person meeting with the family at my mother's house.

Alternatives at this stage are unpalatable to my mother.  She doesn't want to move from the property.  She doesn't want an authority appointed carer or even a live in carer and we have had bad experiences of this for family members in the past.  Moving into a home is even worse.

We feel this affords her more independent time with the comfort of a live in companion.....just knowing that somebody is around is a help.

And whilst finances are not driving this path, costs associated with other forms of care are exponentially greater.

Most importantly my mother is quite positive about this all....but nothing is decided as yet.

Just to advise that, unless the sharer can prove that your mother's house is NOT their sole or main residence, and that they are registered for Council Tax purposes elsewhere, the right of your mother to the 25% discount as Single Adult for Council Tax purposes will end. There are exceptions to this such as if the sharer is a full-time student or if they were providing full-time care for your mother. If the sharer is unemployed/on a low income the local authority may have reductions available but each council now runs their own scheme and it would require an application from your mother for Second Adult Reduction (used to be called Council Tax Benefit) and would require the sharer providing very detailed financial and personal information which will need to be verifiable, such as pay slips, bank statements etc. I'm not sure how willing a sharer would be to provide such information. Of course, if the sharer is employed and earns a reasonable salary such reductions may not be needed but it's likely your mother will be required to pay full Council Tax.

One further thought; have you got Lasting Power of Attorney for both health and finance in place for your mother? It's so much easier to deal with everything now and in the future if you have. For example, the Council Tax department will happily deal with you if you have LPA registered with them. And should your mum urgently need to go into residential care, you'd immediately be able to start sorting out the house etc. As I understand it, the process is very straightforward while your mum has capacity but very complicated and expensive if it's left until she no longer has capacity (which will hopefully never happen). 

roadweary

Will check on the Council Tax - the most important thing is finding the right match.  The prospective sharer is a mature student studying for a postgrad qualification so that might help.

Albermarle

One further thought; have you got Lasting Power of Attorney for both health and finance in place for your mother? It's so much easier to deal with everything now and in the future if you have. For example, the Council Tax department will happily deal with you if you have LPA registered with them. And should your mum urgently need to go into residential care, you'd immediately be able to start sorting out the house etc. As I understand it, the process is very straightforward while your mum has capacity but very complicated and expensive if it's left until she no longer has capacity (which will hopefully never happen). 

Correct, best to get it done asap.

Chloe_G

My elderly neighbour has been sharing his house with someone younger using one of these schemes (I'm not sure which one) for the past couple of years.  By all accounts it's worked very well and suits both of them, and has allowed him to stay living in his house rather than moving into a home.