Benefits of Elder Home Share: How Companionship Supports Elderly Parents in Belfast & Northern Ireland

When families begin searching for help for an elderly parent in Belfast or Northern Ireland, one of the biggest concerns is loneliness — especially when an older loved one is living alone. As Elder Home Share begins launching its service in Belfast, we want to share the real benefits companionship can bring, based on our experience supporting families across Ireland for many years.

The heart of home-share is simple:a younger companion lives with an older adult and provides daily company, reassurance, and light household support in exchange for affordable accommodation.

And the true magic of home-share is the relationship that forms between the companion and the older adult — warm, natural, and deeply human.

A Real Story From Elder Home Share: Companionship That Makes a House Feel Like Home

Saoirse, the founder of Elder Home Share, has been a companion herself. She previously shared a home with Elizabeth, an 89-year-old woman from Clontarf. Their experience beautifully illustrates how home-share can support older adults in Belfast and NI too.

How long were you living with Elizabeth?

“I moved in with her in January after she had come out of hospital. She needed company and reassurance at home.”

How did the match work for both of you?

“Elizabeth is glamorous, strong and full of life. She immediately made me feel welcome. I helped introduce her to Netflix, and every evening after dinner we’d chat or watch something together. It became a really lovely routine.”

Any favourite moments?

“I started making one of her favourite dishes — stewed apple with coconut and almond. We both loved it. Small rituals like this make such a difference.”

What’s it like supporting other matches at the same time?

“I’m so grateful for the care we put into matching. Recently, during follow-ups, companions shared stories of going sea swimming with their homeowners or enjoying dinners together. Those friendships are exactly what Elder Home Share is about.”

These stories show the warmth and reassurance a home-share companion can bring — something families in Belfast often ask us about when exploring new forms of support.

“Angela Lambert’s mum, who enjoyed the companionship and support of an Elder Home Share match.”

Why Elder Home Share Works for Families in Belfast

As our service launches in Belfast, families are telling us they need practical, human support that feels natural — not clinical.

Home-share offers exactly that:

✔ Daily companionship

Someone friendly at home, reducing loneliness.

✔ Reassurance, especially in the evenings

Families feel calmer knowing someone is in the house at night.

✔ Light practical help

Simple support with routines, meals, tidying, or a cup of tea.

✔ A safe, well-matched companion

All companions are fully vetted, reference-checked, and interviewed.

✔ Affordable support

A cost-effective alternative to full-time care services.

We stay closely involved with every match, offering regular follow-ups and advice throughout the arrangement.

Our companions are typically female working professionals aged 24–44, often international, kind, responsible, and grateful for an opportunity to live affordably while offering companionship.

Angela Lambert, whose mother is part of Elder Home Share in Ireland, shared:

“The focus on finding the right fit for both people made all the difference.”

This same careful matching is exactly what we will bring to Belfast.

A Solution That Helps Both Older Adults and Younger People

Home-share supports two important needs at the same time:

1. Older adults gain friendship, reassurance, and safety at home

Many want to stay in their familiar surroundings — home-share helps make that possible.

2. Younger adults access affordable accommodation

In return, they offer presence, kindness, and light help.

It’s a balanced, respectful arrangement that benefits both people equally.

Launching in Belfast & Northern Ireland

If you’re beginning to worry about an elderly parent living alone — or simply want more companionship and reassurance for them — Elder Home Share is a warm, human-centered option now launching in Belfast.

We would love to speak with you about your parent’s needs and help you explore whether home-share might be a good fit.

You can also visit our Home Share Reviews page to read real stories from families who have already benefitted from this model elsewhere in Ireland.