Shared Living Opportunity for Single Living Elderly

​​​In the summer of 2015, after watching a BBC documentary about the lives of the UK's single-living elderly, made by the Silver Line charity, Erica set her mind to do something for this group of vulnerable people. 10 years on, Erica can finally put her dream into action. Similar to the NHS Shared Lives Scheme, Erica is opening up her own home, except that to the single-living and emotionally isolated elderly, to offer them a family and community environment, with the backup of Chinese medicine. If you know anyone who could benefit from this model, please get in touch.

The basic criteria:

- Over 70 years old

- Living alone 

- No children or relationships with children broke down

- No close relatives in the area

- Physically independent and no major medical conditions

What they get and give: 

- The company and attention of Erica like their own family

- A room as lodger at market price, in Erica's beautiful bungalow

- Free weekly acupuncture or moxibustion for general health and longevity boost

- Three meals home-made with Asian diet wisdom, if they they Chinese

- Contribution a share of bills, and cost of food

- Flexible terms with long-term arrangements or short breaks

They don't need to sell their own homes. If they like, Erica can help to organise renting them out to improve their finance, or for them to move back one day in the future if they like. The rent income can help to pay for their day carers if they need one day.

For the ones who wish to enjoy their lives till the end at the Lotus, they are also welcome. Erica will look after them just like her own parents, and if they wish, lend them strength in completing this journey and preparing for the next, using her Buddhism understanding about life and the universe.  ​​​​

In addition to the shared living opportunity, Erica is organising a lunch group for the single living elderly to come and share lunch and socialise with the like-minded people. Please enquire if you are interested.