💬 Interested in Lifesharing? Start Here.

Whether you’re retired, changing careers, or simply looking for a deeper sense of purpose, Lifesharing could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

We’ve compiled answers to our most frequently asked questions below—organized by life stage and lifestyle—to help you see where you might fit.

✅ Read through the FAQs below.
📅 Want to learn more? Request an Info Session here.
📝 Ready to apply? Be prepared to provide your work history, answer matching questions, and consent to a background check.

Retirees Who Want to Stay Engaged and Make a Difference 

Q: I’m retired—am still eligible? 
Yes! Many retirees thrive in Lifesharing. Your life experience, patience, and presence are assets. 

Q: How much time does it take? Will I be tied down? 
While you are not required to work directly 24/7 with the person you live with, you are responsible for maintaining the level of care needed to support them. It is a lifestyle change. You'll build shared routines and provide support—but with flexibility, planning, and backup, your life remains your own. Some individuals have alone time that ranges from 1 hour per day to up to 24 hours. These differences in supervision are based on the needs of the individual and can change at any time. If an individual with alone time has a surgery that requires support throughout the day, you will need to be ready to work with the program team to provide necessary care.  

Q: Can I still travel or take weekends away? 
Yes, with notice and support planning. Respite care is available but needs to be coordinated a few weeks in advance. We understand last minute changes occur in life, and we will do what we can to cover support. You can also build a network of natural supports (family and friends), but when the individual stays alone with them, we need to know. 

 For Young Adults Ready to Live More Independently for the First Time 

Q: I’m in my 20s—am I too young to become a Lifesharer? 
Not at all. What matters more than age is your maturity, dependability, and desire to build a caring home. We do ask that you have a valid driver's license, and you will need to be able to hold a lease in your name. 

Q: Will I still be able to do this if I have other obligations or irregular routines? 
Yes. Many young adults successfully balance Lifesharing with other commitments. The key is communication, planning, and partnership. The obligations and routines that you have will factor into who you match with. It could be that these routines do not align with someone looking for a new roommate at the time you apply.  

Q: I go bowling every Friday night. Will I still be able to do this? 
Yes. As long as the person you support is safe and their needs are accounted for, your hobbies and routine can be maintained. You may even invite them to join you to play or be there to cheer you on! The adults we support are often looking for a change of scenery and just like to be included.  

Q: I work overnight shifts two times a week. Is that okay? 
This depends on the needs of the individual you’re living with and their teams' preferences. Some individuals may require overnight supervision or support. This would be discussed during the matching process.  

🔄 People Navigating Career Transitions or Working Flexible Schedules 

Q: I’m between jobs or working part-time. Is Lifesharing a good fit? 
Yes. A flexible schedule can make it easier to offer quality support and build strong routines together. 

Q: Can Lifesharing help supplement my income? 
Yes. Lifesharing providers receive a stipend that includes compensation towards rent and utility costs, and compensation for services provided to support household costs. It is required that the lifesharing provider covers the household costs like paper products, cleaning products, hygiene products, and food staples. Anything beyond the basics would be discussed with the team.  

Q: I can’t drive at night due to vision issues. Would that be a problem? 
Possibly, depending on the individual’s transportation needs and community access goals. Some individuals use transportation services or have daytime-only needs. This would be discussed during the “matching phase”. Depending on the skills of the individual you live with, you do have the ability to use other transportation services at night (such as Uber/Lyft), but those expenses would fall on the Lifesharing provider.  

Those With Room in Their Homes—and Hearts—for Connection 

Q: I have extra space and want to make a difference. What’s next? 
We encourage you to attend an info session. From there, we’ll guide you through the application, training, and matching process. It is not a guarantee that we will find someone who is interested in living in the area where your home is located or that it can accommodate their needs.  

Q: What is the matching process like? 
We work to understand your personality, routines, and preferences—and match you with someone who aligns with your lifestyle and values. There’s always a trial period. 

Q: I also care for my aging parent, can I do both? 
Possibly. It depends on the level of care each person requires. We’ll work with you to assess feasibility and support. Our priority is that the adult you are supporting can maintain their preferred level of activity and receives the care outlined in the ISP/contract.  

🪴 Individuals Whose Children Have Recently Moved Out (Empty Nesters) 

Q: My house feels too quiet since my kids moved out. Is Lifesharing for me? 
Many empty nesters find Lifesharing brings new purpose, joy, and companionship into their homes.  

Q: Can I set boundaries within my home? 
Absolutely. The individual will have their own space, and clear expectations are established up front. We coordinate a monthly circle meeting with the program and clinical team members to discuss what is working and what is not working. That is a time to share what supports may be needed or establish expectations between you and your roommate that works for everyone.  

Q: I am a DSP for another provider from 8–4 PM every day. Am I qualified to be a Lifesharer? 
You may be qualified based on experience and home setup. Working a full-time job is easy to achieve as a lifesharing provider. You cannot work full time as an employee with Shared Wellness and be a Lifesharing Provider with Shared Wellness. This presents a conflict. 

🎓 College or Graduate Students Studying in Caregiving-Related Fields 

Q: I’m studying psychology/social work/nursing. Will this give me real-world experience? 
Yes. You’ll gain hands-on experience with person-centered care, daily living support, and trauma-informed practice. 

Q: Can I balance school and Lifesharing? 
Many students do. It requires time management, but the lived experience often enriches your studies. 

Q: Will I need to provide clinical or medical care? 
You will not be expected to have all the answers when medical or clinical needs arise; however, you may be given training and guidance from medical and clinical professionals. You will be trained in basic first aid to support your roommate with minor injuries. Shared Wellness has a Director of Nursing to support with major medical needs. We also have a team of clinicians to support any mental health needs your roommate may need. Training is tailored to each match. 

🌟 Community Members Drawn to a Purposeful, Connected Lifestyle 

Q: I’ve been looking for more purpose. Is this right for me? 
If you value relationship, routine, and making a difference, Lifesharing could be an incredibly meaningful choice. 

Q: I’ve never worked with someone with intellectual disabilities. Can I still apply? 
Yes. Compassion, openness, and a willingness to learn are what matter most. Full training is provided. 

Q: I have a house with a mortgage in New Jersey just over the bridge. Can an individual move in? 
We do not provide supports in other states. We currently operate Lifesharing arrangements in Bucks and Montgomery County only.  

Q: What if challenges come up? Will I have support? 
Absolutely. You’ll have a dedicated team, ongoing training, and 24/7 backup when needed. 

 Want to learn more? Request an Info Session here.
📝 Ready to apply? Be prepared to provide your work history, answer matching questions, and consent to a background check.