Homeshare provides housing in exchange for help in the home. A  householder offers free or low-cost accommodation in exchange for an agreed level of support. Homeshare provides a solution to the needs of two groups of people - those in need of affordable housing, and those in need of support to live at home. Homeshare programmes have taken root in thirteen countries worldwide.

Further details can be found on Wikipedia  Homeshare

STOP PRESS -  Autumn 2011 Newsletter from Homeshare International includes a report of the World Congress in Cologne

Our Second World Homeshare Congress, "Collaboration in Action",  took place in Cologne on 01 - 02 July 2011
Homeshare practitioners from around the world shared experiences, and learned new techniques
Click here for photos and reports

EAC/FirstStop have published a DCLG funded report on Housing Choices for Older People.  John Galvin, CEO of EAC (Elderly Accommodation Counsel) was a keynote speaker and sponsor of the World Homeshare Congress in Cologne July 2011.  The analysis of homeshare and its potential to improve quality of life AND make savings, for homesharer, householder and the state, is fascinating (see page 6)