Share and Care Homeshare report reveals how homesharing is helping older and vulnerable people
Share and Care Homeshare, the UK’s largest homeshare Community Interest Company, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the publication of its 2026 Homeshare Impact Report.
The report highlights how homesharing is helping older and vulnerable people to remain living safely and independently in their own homes for longer, while offering a flexible, compassionate alternative to traditional care models.
As demand increases for more person-centred support, Share and Care Homeshare says the model is playing an increasingly important role for people living with dementia, mobility challenges and other long-term health conditions.
Homeshare involves carefully matching a person who needs companionship and practical support with an individual who lives in their home. In return for affordable accommodation, the sharer provides regular help around the house, companionship and a reassuring presence.
According to the report, dementia and memory loss are now the most common reasons behind homeshare arrangements, accounting for 51 per cent of cases. Reduced mobility is the second most common driver, at 25 per cent.
Other key factors include eyesight problems, depression and anxiety, Parkinson’s disease and hearing loss.
Share and Care Homeshare says the findings reflect the growing complexity of need among older people, as well as increasing demand for solutions that can sit alongside, or help prevent the need for, residential care.
The organisation says homesharing can provide a range of benefits, including overnight reassurance, enhanced security, reduced loneliness and isolation, support with everyday tasks, and a trusted presence in the home.
The report also points to the preventative role homesharing can play. Among householders who were considered to be at risk of falls before entering a homeshare arrangement, 77 per cent have not experienced another fall since a sharer moved in.
Share and Care Homeshare says this demonstrates how practical, human-centred support can help people maintain confidence and independence at home.
The report provides a snapshot of householders supported through homesharing across the UK. The average age of householders is 87, with the youngest aged 45 and the oldest aged 98. The majority are female, while 23 per cent are male and six per cent are couples.
Sharers also represent a broad range of ages and backgrounds. The average age of sharers is 41, with the youngest aged 22 and the oldest aged 78. According to the report, 89 per cent choose to become sharers because they want to help someone else.
Caroline Cooke and Amanda Clarke, Directors of Share and Care Homeshare, commented: “Over the past 20 years, we’ve seen first-hand how homeshare can transform lives.
“Our 2026 report highlights that the primary drivers — particularly dementia, mobility challenges and loneliness — are exactly where compassionate, person-centred support is needed most.
“With care costs escalating and less public funding available, families are searching for sustainable alternatives. Homeshare not only represents excellent value, but works alongside existing care to help people remain safely in their own homes. Homesharing is changing lives.”
As it marks two decades of activity, Share and Care Homeshare is calling for greater recognition of homesharing within mainstream social care strategies.
The organisation says the model can deliver meaningful outcomes for individuals and families, while also supporting the sustainability of the wider health and social care system.
Millions of adults across the UK are feeling guilty about living away from their ageing parents, according to national research from mobility specialist Muick Sandy.
