Homesharing is a program that matches tenants to live with homeowners within the Seattle city limits. The main goal of the program is to meet the financial and/or service needs of primarily senior homeowners and younger tenants. With service assistance, older, frail homeowners can continue to live independently longer...and with a reduced rent, affordable housing is made available to tenants who might otherwise not find an adequate place to live. One person in each match needs to be at least 55 years of age or disabled, and the homeowner must live within the Seattle city limits. Homesharing screens all applicants by a thorough interview and a criminal background check using Washington State Patrol. Homesharing is a free program, but a suggested donation of $15 is requested.

Olga is quite the vivacious woman of 99 years. She recently arrived home from the hospital after a mild stroke. According to Graham, one of her three current tenants, "She is looking as chipper as ever, though she is still partly paralyzed."

Olga has been a homeowner in the Homesharing program for almost 17 years. She has been in a match the vast majority of that time with many different tenants. This past December, Homesharing matched her with two new tenants, Beth and Graham, to go with another tenant, Rona, who was already in place.

Everyone gets along famously in Olga's household. Her daughter, Carla, who spends much of her time with Olga, organizes the schedule of care that these three individuals provide for her. Beth and Rona provide the primary care needs of meal preparation, reminders to do things, assistance with dressing and balance, etc. Graham provides most of the cleaning, minor repair, and organizing of the home. (Not all homesharing matches involve caregiving. See the links below to find out about other possible arrangements.)

Olga is a fine example of a senior who has benefited from these matches in numerous ways, including being able to stay in her own home where she is most comfortable and does not want to leave. She doesn't even want to entertain the thought of an assisted living facility. She also feels much safer at night having people live with her. All three tenants benefit from paying no money for their rooms, which allows them to pay for schooling and other investments.

Olga is celebrating her 99th birthday next week, and her family and tenants will be throwing her annual birthday party. All of her friends and family are invited to attend, as well as all of her past tenants of 17 years. It should be one big and fun birthday!

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