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My turn: A new way to find housing
by Anne Baker Platt

Have you ever given thought to your old age, how you will live? Where? With whom? Alone? In good health — or not? A recent temporary physical incapacity had me reflecting on aging's limited abilities. I learned there are many options for care outside the home, but that home is where most folks would prefer to stay when they need care. Happily, there is HomeShare Vermont!

We're all living longer. It's a fact. By 2020 Vermont will experience nearly an 80 percent growth statewide in the number of residents age 65 and older, and the overall population of Vermont is projected to grow by only 9 percent in that time period. Seniors tend to become more isolated and lose their sense of community. Younger families work hard to raise children and try to care for aging parents, who live at a distance. It's a problem for everyone.

Most seniors, when asked, say they want to remain at home for the rest of their lives. Our home and communities, are what we know and where we are comfortable. We dislike change as we grow older. However, infirmities make it more difficult to remain at home. Everyday things like making a bed or preparing a meal are much more difficult to do. The lack of companionship, of not having someone at home, is much more devastating as we are less able to get out and easily move around familiar places. Having someone in our home to help with the chores and offer a protective presence is invaluable.

HomeShare Vermont, has offered homesharing services in Chittenden County for 23 years. Seniors needing 10-15 hours a week of service, companionship and/or a protective presence in the home are "matched" with people looking for a place to live. The HomeShare Vermont process provides matching services, in-home interviews, screening, references, criminal background checks and continuing support. HomeShare Vermont has successfully helped seniors and people with disabilities to keep their independence.

For someone looking for a place to live, home-sharing is a great alternative if you live a quiet lifestyle and can spend time with your home-sharer. In nearly half the matches over the last three years, no rent was charged. When it was, it averaged only $172 month. Instead of a monetary payment, most homesharing matches focus on service and helping someone continue to live independently. Long-lasting friendships have been developed through home-sharing. For a match to succeed, the process must be entirely directed by the people in the program. When both people's needs are met, it's a special kind of chemistry between participants.

Seniors in the Homeshare Vermont program were asked how they feel about it. Here are the results of a recent survey: 84 percent feel less lonely; 74 percent feel safer in their home; 74 percent feel happier; 73 percent reported household chores get done more easily; 58 percent enjoy their home more; 47 percent feel healthier; 47 percent sleep better; 47 percent eat better than before; and 32 percent have more energy.

Imagine! For just having someone in your home, you can get help, feel less lonely, happier and healthier. You can feel comforted in knowing when you need continuing help in your life, HomeShare Vermont will be there for you. HomeShare Vermont's program is impressive. It works now and will work for you when you need it. That's very reassuring as you plan ahead.

Anne Baker Platt lives in Burlington. She is a board member of HomeShare VT.