Homeshare York - Finding friendship and peace of mind – Arthur’s story

Sometimes, it’s the simple things that make the biggest difference – a friendly chat, a shared cup of tea, someone nearby when you need them. Arthur’s story – a Homeshare York match – shows how Homeshare can find the right solutions for the family through a Homeshare match.

Sarah, Arthur’s daughter, found out about Homeshare through a newspaper article and a friend in York had spoken highly of the project. She thought it would be ideal for her father who lived alone.  She felt the whole process was exciting, there was good and open communication and received helpful advice and support from Homeshare York in preparation for the first meeting and throughout.  Sarah said

“I would go so far as to say that we and our father and the family were thoroughly delighted with the introductions to both our Homesharers who have become good friends.  They really made all the difference to the last year of his life and we are very grateful.”

Sarah felt the Homeshare project would be ideal for her father as he was becoming more unstable on his feet but was still very independent and could manage in his own home. Sarah felt her father required companionship in the house also some support with heavier things like putting the bins out and gardening. As Sarah lived in London the idea of having someone around for Arthur was very reassuring.

Arthur filled in the application form with his daughter. They were provided with several profiles of potential Homesharers and Arthur chose those he was interested in meeting. First was Mandy, but she was not available until she finished her studies and was living on campus. So Arthur asked to meet Bohdan and agreed a 6 month match until Mandy left her student accommodation.

Both parties followed our induction process and they got on very well. A date was set for Bohdan to move in. Sarah was involved throughout to ensure she could support both her father and Bohdan. She had regular contact with Bohdan and also made Sarah became a huge advocate for Homeshare in York and spoke to lots of people about the project as she felt it was such a success for her father. Mandy popped over once a month to see Arthur while she was finishing her studies to build up their relationship before she moved in.

Bohdan found out about Homeshare through the Ukrainian hosting scheme which had come to an end. The host knew he wanted affordable living but also some company as well, as Bohdan was new to the UK. Bohdan settled in well and he and Arthur would laugh and chat together. Arthur showed him how to do different things and in return Bohdan would do jobs around the house and garden. When Arthur became less mobile Bohdan was able to communicate with his family and the family were very grateful that Arthur could remain independent and yet have someone to support him and let them know if there were any difficulties.

When it was time for Mandy to move in the family understood Bohdan was keen to stay on so they offered him to stay as a lodger rather than a Housesharer. This situation worked well as the house was large and both Mandy and Bohdan had their own space and Arthur was supported further as Mandy worked shifts and Bohdan could support whilst she was working.

Sadly, Arthur passed away at the age of 96, it provided great comfort to the family that Arthur’s last year was so extraordinary.  He loved having the company of both the young Homesharers, who will remain friends of the family in the future.

(This case study was written alongside Arthur’s family and the two Homesharers and does not use people’s real names.)