Making a connection
For human beings social connections are vital for a good quality of life. And yet, long before the present pandemic, with its forced isolation and social distancing, we had begun building our own isolated lives. Home Share consists of older people of similar ages and interests sharing a home of their own together. The simple idea aims to address the growing imbalance of time spent on our own and time with meaningful social connections.
Introducing Maria (75) and Winnie (70), two home sharers who moved in to their new home in February 2021. Here are some of the things the two have to say about Home Sharing together:
“We’ve really enjoyed moving in together and honestly we’re so happy, so happy.”
They both love cooking together in the kitchen. Maria describes Winnie as the ‘Master Chef’ as she loves to cook. It’s a real passion of hers but don’t let me take anything away from Maria’s cooking ability as Maria cooks for Winnie on the three days a week she goes for Dialysis.
“Maria makes a really good full English breakfast for me and when I come home from dialysis it’s so nice to smell the supper cooking as I walk through the door.”
Both love watching TV together in the lounge, even though they each have a television in their bedrooms. They often talk until early hours of the morning (helped by the fact that both used to work night shifts so can stay up that late) and have discovered they have a great deal in common.
“Maria and I had supper together and watched Emmerdale and Coronation St. Before we went to bed we had an ice cream and juice.”
With both ladies originally from South Africa they share very similar values and both support their families (children and grandchildren) a tremendous amount, talking with them daily.
“amazed how similar our backgrounds and lives have been - so grateful to be matched together.”
With shared interests like food, music, singing and dancing there is plenty of energy in the house. Winnie has brought her old music centre and they love dancing around the living room with the volume turned up.
“I can’t believe you matched us so well, we have so many things in common and our histories are so much the same”
They now have plans for the future together. Looking forward to having a barbecue in the garden when the weather improves and a housewarming meal when lockdown is over.
“Together we’re strong”
Maria & Winnie 2021
Q & A
How is the accommodation?
“We both feel really at peace. We sleep well and I love waking up in my own new bed and then having a bath. It’s makes me feel really good”.
What do the two of you treat yourself to?
“We often treat ourselves to a takeaway, eating it on our knees in front of the telly or around the table with a nice new tablecloth”
How have you found the Home Share process & support?
“You always do your best to see to our welfare. You always go an extra mile to help us. I thank you most heartily from the bottom of my heart”
“Without you it wouldn’t have happened”, “We’re so grateful for the day we met you, you made all this happen for us”
