93-year-old Fulham Woman Opts for Homesharing Scheme
Angela Kirby takes in lodger who acts as part-time carer
Angela Kirby
March 16, 2026
A 93-year-old Fulham resident has spoken about the difference a homesharing arrangement has made to her life, after welcoming a carefully matched lodger into her home through a community-based support scheme.
Angela Kirby has lived in her home for more than 30 years and has long taken in lodgers. But after turning 90 and experiencing a fall, she and her family began looking for a different kind of support — one that would allow her to remain independent while offering companionship and reassurance.
She was introduced to Share and Care Homeshare, the UK’s largest homeshare Community Interest Company based across the river in Putney, which pairs older people who have a spare room with younger adults seeking affordable accommodation. In exchange for low-cost rent, the younger “Sharer” provides up to 10 hours a week of practical help and companionship.
Angela was matched with a woman in her 40s who now lives with her, offering support with everyday tasks and spending time at home several evenings a week and at weekends.
“I had never heard of homesharing before,” Angela said. “After my fall, my children and I thought it would be a good idea to have someone around the home. Now that I’ve experienced it, I think it’s a really lovely idea. It gives my family such comfort and peace of mind.”
Her Sharer helps with small but meaningful tasks such as emptying the dishwasher, picking up shopping and, Angela adds, “bakes a very good lemon drizzle cake.” The pair also enjoy conversations about books, travel and their shared interests. Angela, a writer who has published 12 books on cookery and gardening, says the companionship has become just as valuable as the practical support.
Founded in 2006, Share and Care Homeshare is one of the longest-established homeshare organisations in the UK. Iit works across London and nationally to match older people — often those living alone or seeking low-level support — with adults who need affordable accommodation.
The organisation says that it carries out rigorous vetting, interviews and reference checks, and focuses on matching people with compatible personalities, interests and lifestyles.
Homeshare arrangements are not a substitute for personal care, but they can help older people remain independent for longer, while easing isolation for both parties. Each participant pays a monthly fee — in Angela’s case, £165 each — which is significantly lower than typical London rents and far cheaper than live-in care.
Caroline Cooke, founder of Share and Care Homeshare, said demand for homesharing is growing as Londoners look for new ways to build community and manage rising living costs.
“Having companionship and someone to talk to at the end of the day offers a real lifeline and sense of belonging for younger and older people alike,” she said. “For older people, like Angela, there is also the added bonus of having an extra pair of hands around the home — and it is this support that can enable older people to continue enjoying living independently.”
Homesharing has expanded steadily in recent years as councils, charities and community groups look for innovative ways to support older residents and address London’s housing pressures. Advocates say it offers a practical, low-cost alternative to traditional care models while helping to reduce loneliness — an issue affecting both older and younger adults.
For Angela, the arrangement has brought reassurance, friendship and a renewed sense of connection.
“I like having someone there for company and a little support,” she said. “I’ve already recommended it to friends.”
More information about homesharing is available at www.shareandcare.co.uk or by calling 020 3865 3398.
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