Looking for:companion for an older person in exchange for reduced rent in Somerset

[hwilliams]

I live in ED, but am posting this for a friend in need, whose mother lives in Somerset.

Perhaps someone in ED will know someone who might be interested. If so, please respond to the email address in the message. Thank you.

VERY LOW MONTHLY RENT FOR LOVELY BEDROOM, PRIVATE BATHROOM AND MEZZANINE STUDY-SITTING AREA OFFERED AS A WRITER'S RETREAT (OR SIMILAR) IN SMALL SOMERSET TOWN IN EXCHANGE FOR PROVIDING 15 HOURS A WEEK OF HELP AND COMPANIONSHIP FOR MY 91 YEAR OLD MOTHER.

Are you a kind person who is an artist, a writer, a student needing some peace to work on a project or thesis, or someone who can work from anywhere these days and you would love a change of scene? Perhaps you might be considering moving to the West Country, and would like to experience life there first.

My Mum lives in a small Somerset town surrounded by beautiful countryside , but it's still in easy reach of vibrant larger towns. She is a friendly, lively-minded artistic person living in a comfortable cedar wood house surrounded by a flowery garden, together with her little old dog. She has good local friends and neighbours, and doesn't need personal care. However she has increasingly poor mobility to safely manage household and garden tasks like hanging out the washing or mowing the lawn etc. She is widowed since 3 years and as well as help with such jobs, a bit of cooking or shopping, she would be glad to have someone around at home and there overnight. The plan would be broadly 10 hours of help and 5 hours of companionship. This could be some shared evening meals, a drive out into the countryside or to go on a small trip.

The 15 hours' a week/low rent arrangement is organised via a national "Homeshare" agency to link up reliable, caring people who would like a low rent home in exchange for helping out an older or disabled home-owner. The agency does all interviews, references, police checks etc. and is there to support the process all along. Ideally a 9 months commitment is needed, but this can be flexible. A driver/car-owner is preferred. If you have your own home you may even want to rent it out meanwhile, which could help you save and pay off a mortgage etc.

I live in Kent and visit my Mum every 5 weeks or so. We can have a little chat and I can put you in touch with the agency.

Please contact Polly via email: [email protected].

Please share with family or friends anywhere in the country who this could suit. Thank you.