Wesley Homeshare Wesley Mission Victoria Wesley Mission Victoria

Wesley Homeshare

Wesley Mission Victoria • Wesley Mission Victoria was founded in 1893 in response to the severe economic depression and associated inner city poverty of the time. • Today, Wesley is part of the Uniting Church in Australia. • Wesley employs over 900 staff and engages 1, 600 volunteers and provides 50 different services across Victoria.

Program History • The concept of Homeshare was first developed in North America in the 1970’s • Commenced as a pilot program in 2000 in the inner city areas of Melbourne • Main focus being in the area of aged care, but since 2010 has included a disability focus • Since 2010, Homeshare has been funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments under the Home and Community Care (HACC) program and the Department of Human Services (DHS) for the Southern Metropolitan Region • Approximately 350 successful matches to date

Local Government Areas Serviced The Southern Metropolitan Region:

What is Wesley Homeshare? Wesley Homeshare is a program which supports older people and adults with a disability to remain in their own home by matching them with people who can provide assistance and companionship in exchange for accommodation. An agreement is signed by both parties.

How does it work ? The Householder provides a bedroom and shared facilities. In exchange, the Homesharer provides approximately 10 hours per week of practical assistance, companionship and the security of an overnight presence. The Homesharer is responsible for his/her own food, internet, and telephone expenses. The Homesharer is required to make a monthly contribution towards utilities.

Householder Selection Criteria • Householders are older people (65 years and over) or people with a disability (65 years and under) • Capacity to live in own home and to share it with a Homesharer • Willingness to undergo the assessment process • Ability to provide adequate, safe and clean accommodation

Householder Selection Criteria… • Must reside within the Southern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne • Low to moderate care needs • An understanding that Homesharers do not provide personal care assistance or help with medication

Householder Referral Process • Self-referrals • Referrals from families and significant others • Referrals from service providers

Homesharer Selection Criteria Homeshares are a diverse group of people of varying ages. They include local and international students, working professionals and retired or semi retired people. • 18 years + • Able to commit to a Homeshare living arrangement for at least 6 months • Willingness to undergo the assessment process and police check, including the provision of 3 references

Homesharer Selection Criteria… • Capacity to provide the required 10 hours of practical support and companionship • Ability to make a monthly contribution towards utilities • Must be responsible, mature and reliable • Willingness to become a Wesley volunteer and abide by Wesley’s policies and procedures • Must have alternative accommodation options during trial period

The Process • Assessment for suitability • Matching • Introduction • Negotiate and draw up Homeshare Agreement

The Process • Trial period of 4 weeks • Continue or terminate Agreement/Match – 7 days notice during trial period (by either party) – 30 days notice thereafter (by either party) – or immediately by Wesley Homeshare Coordinator • Ongoing match monitoring contact and support to both parties • Match review at 6 months and annually thereafter

Contact Us 280 Thomas Street Dandenong VIC 3175 P: 139 375 E: agedcare@wesley. org. au This service is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments under the Home and Community Care Program.