Share-A-Home:

The Share-A-Home Program operated by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota was designed to keep senlor citizens living in their own homes by finding live-in companions who are willing to help with chores and provides security and companionship in return for an inexpensive place to live. This aper describes the three years of operation of the program from September 1980 to March 1983. During the first three years of operation, the program experienced considerable growth in: (a) demand for service; f (b) number of matches made; and (c) number of matches in force each month. In addition, the cost of the program during this time decreased. Interviews with elderly residents in the program revealed that most felt more secure, experienced more companionship, had less trouble taking care of their homes, and were more satisfied with their lives since entering the program. Program participants expressed strong approval of the actions of the Lutheran Social Service staff in arranging their matches. It was concluded that Social Service agency was successful in implementing a program which meets the needs of the elderly by allowing them to remain in their homes and maintain an independent life style.