Home sharing is an innovative approach to housing, which allows older adults to continue living in their homes, while obtaining additional income, companionship and support.
Since the 1980s, many organizations in Canada have been acting as intermediaries between older adults who have a vacant room and those interested in renting it out and helping out. However, the roles of these organizations vary widely: some pre-screen and match participants, while others limit themselves to keeping a registry of rooms to rent. One example is the Symbiosis program at McMaster University, which connects students in need of affordable housing with older adults who have a spare room and who could benefit from support and company.
Such innovative home-sharing programs are being tested around the world, and can be particularly appealing given the housing crisis in many Canadian cities.
But what can research tell us about the experiences of older adults and what do they get from sharing their home?
What research tells us
A recent systematic review examined six studies of home-sharing arrangements among people aged 55 and over.(1) Four main themes were identified in these studies and are discussed below.1. The benefits
By renting a room in their home (generally to a younger person), older adults benefit from companionship, which reduces anxiety and loneliness, and increases feelings of security and motivation to leave the home to participate in activities. They also receive help with daily activities and household chores. All of these contribute to increased well-being and a better quality of life.
2. The challenges
Loss of privacy, difficulty adjusting to someone else's presence, incompatible lifestyles, and sometimes unrealistic expectations about time that should be spent together constitute challenges.
In addition, some older adults may be uncomfortable when it comes to enforcing home rules or asking tenants to do chores that were agreed upon. Some prefer to maintain the status quo in order to avoid conflict and thus remain in an uncomfortable situation. The review also raises concerns about the possible risks of abuse in home-sharing arrangements, particularly among vulnerable older adults.
3. Intergenerational exchanges
Research revealed an increase in the frequency of intergenerational contacts through home-sharing programs. Students who have cohabited with an older adult now view older adults more positively, while older adults are more inclined to participate in activities with younger people. Older adults were also motivated to take part in home-sharing programs as a way to help younger generations.
4. The key role of an intermediary organization
The experiences of older adults are more positive when an organization is involved in matching people and offering mediation if problems occur. In the majority of cases, older adults who choose to do connect with an intermediary organization do so because they trust that the organization will have their best interests at heart.
Before sharing your home...
Agreeing to share your home with a roommate isn't for everyone. The viability of this arrangement also depends on your values, needs and personal circumstances.Before sharing your home, do the following:
1. Think about the pros and cons of home sharing (based on your values, needs and personal circumstances);
2. Explore if other housing arrangements me be more appropriate for you;
3. List your home rules and expectations for your roommate;
4. Find a trustworthy organization that could help match people and provide mediation if problems occur (for example, there may be a college or university in your community offering such home-sharing programs); and
5. Do a background check of any potential roommate.
