More Than Just a Room: A Scoping Review of the Impact of Homesharing for Older Adults

Abstract

Background and Objectives “Aging in place” is commonly defined as the ability to remain living safely and independently for as long as possible either in the home or community of one’s choosing. Yet, the literature indicates that older adults prefer to remain specifically in their own homes. Homesharing, an innovative exchange-based housing approach, is a means by which older adults can obtain additional income, companionship, and assistance by renting out a room to a home seeker, potentially increasing capacity to remain living independently in their homes. But what is known about their experiences of homesharing? Research Design and Methods A scoping review was conducted to map and consolidate the literature related to the experience of homeshare participation for adults aged 55 and older published from 1989 to 2018. Fifteen databases were searched, including 3 medical, 5 social science, and 7 gray literature databases. Following abstract and full-text review, 6 sources were retained for study inclusion. Thematic content analysis was used to identify major themes. Results Within included studies, 4 major themes were identified: (i) benefits of homeshare participation for older adults; (ii) challenges of participating in homeshare for older adults; (iii) intergenerational engagement as social exchange; and (iv) the key role of agency facilitation. Discussion and Implications Findings were used to derive practice, policy, and research implications. By focusing on older adults and the ways homesharing impacts their lives, we can better determine the viability of homeshare as a means for improving and prolonging experiences of living at home.

How local stakeholders’ social representations shape the future of ageing in place: Insights from ‘health and care social innovations’ in Wallonia (Belgium)

“…It can be noticed that tensions exist on what does or does not fall within the scope of HCSI. For some, alternative housing or homesharing (Martinez el al., 2020) remains outside the field of health and social care. These alternatives are mainly implemented by newcomers and challenge the views of historical actors on the field.…”

Alternative housing models for precariously housed older Australians

“…Besides its potential as a means of 'care' and support for an older person, research indicates homesharing increases companionship, a feeling of security, and overall wellbeing (Howe 1985;Johnson and McAdam 2000;Martinez, Mirza et al 2020;Sánchez, García et al 2011). In many cases the approach is seen as a cost effective communal living option.…”

“…These advantages, however, must be balanced against some recognised challenges or drawbacks with the model: a potential loss of autonomy for the older person because of the sharing of their space, and difficulties in managing interpersonal relationships (Jordan 2019;Martinez, Mirza et al 2020). The potential for elder abuse also exists, as does the risk of people's vulnerabilities and frailties being manipulated, depending on how the homeshare arrangement is established, governed, and monitored (Johnson and McAdam 2000).…”

“…The involvement of a management agency appears to be the most common means of setting up homesharing, however, many of these programs over time have encountered difficulties resulting in discontinuation. The level of support and oversight provided by agencies can vary considerably, from maintaining a register of interested persons and providing contact information to prospective homesharers, through to facilitation of the arrangement, including pre-screening, and mitigating placement challenges with mediation services and termination/rematching if required (Martinez, Mirza et al 2020).…”

Facilitating Age-Conscious Student Development through Lecture-Based Courses on Aging

“…However, youth who regularly are in contact with dependent older adults are usually more ageist (Hawkley, Norman, & Agha, 2019). Further, there have been mixed results showing both positive (Martinez et al, 2020; Penick et al, 2014; Wideman, 2014) and negative (Larraz Gómez, 2013) implications for ageism among young adults who live with older people. Although intergenerational contact theory demonstrates that limited, regular contact between youth and older people may both enhance and reduce ageist perspectives, ageism has been consistently reinforced by normal, healthy, and identity-protecting developmental trajectories of youth.…”