Shared Housing for Seniors

One thing we all know for sure, especially in today’s world, is life can change when we least expect it. Seniors who thought they had long term plans in place can have a life-changing event that turns their world upside down.

One of the most common life changes facing seniors is the medical decline or death of a spouse. When one of the spouses requires long term care or passes away, the other spouse may find themselves in a financial crunch they were not prepared for.

This is where senior home-sharing comes in. Home-sharing for seniors is becoming a popular way to not only ease financial stress but also to combat the feeling of loneliness and isolation.

Remember the Golden Girls? They were four delightful ladies who shared a home and each other’s lives. They all had different reasons to seek out senior roommates and they created an environment that showed us how much fun shared homes for seniors could be!

The current house-sharing trend is a great way for seniors to connect with other seniors needing roommates. If you have never thought about what it would be like to share a house with an old person, the first thing you should do is watch an old episode of the Golden Girls.

Dorothy, Blanche, Sophia, and Rose may have been senior citizens, but their lifestyle was far from anything resembling what we think of as old.

Do you have an extra bedroom in your home? Have you ever thought about renting a room to an elderly person?

Let’s take a look at some pros and cons of home-sharing and how it could be an option you might want to consider.

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Pros:

• Companionship is comforting and makes life more enjoyable.
• The financial burden is lighter when you have additional income.
• You feel more secure when someone is there in case of an emergency.
• Your adult kids will feel better knowing you are not alone.
• Household chores and responsibilities can be shared.
• You can remain in your own home.

Cons:

• Your housemate is not as neat as you are.
• Your pets may not like each other.
• Your tolerance for noise is different, such as TV volume.
• You didn’t know how dominant your housemate would be.

If you’re a senior looking for a roommate, it is important to find someone who is compatible with your lifestyle and personality.

If you make the decision to share your home, or if you are looking for a home to share with someone, you should contact a senior roommate matching service to assist you.
There are many of these services listed on the internet and you can look for one that serves the needs of seniors in your area.

Home-sharing programs for seniors pair people who have more house than they need with people who are looking for a person to share a home with.

Shared housing for seniors is a growing trend that can be of great benefit to those seniors who want to remain in their own homes or who seek companionship. House sharing can provide a financial boost to both parties that can make that possible.
Senior home-sharing is a win-win proposition for both the homeowner and the person who is looking for an affordable place to live and a compatible lifestyle with another senior.

If you find yourself in the position to share your home, consider trying to find another senior who could be not only a renter but also a companion and a friend.

In addition to senior roommate matching services, sometimes friends and family members, church groups, senior centers or community resource agencies can help you find the perfect elderly roommate.

For more information on home-sharing, click here.