Londoners offered chance to live rent-free in stunning Thames apartment... in exchange for 'grandma-sitting' duties

Stunning: The three-bedroom apartment boasts scenic views of the Thames
Ross Elder/SpareRoom
Jamie Bullen1 October 2016

Londoners have been offered the chance to live rent free in a spacious apartment overlooking the Thames in exchange for “grandma-sitting” duties.

Ross Elder, 40 and his partner Sofi, 32, advertised the bizarre offer involving Mr Elder’s 93-year-old grandmother Margaret, which has triggered a flood of responses from bargain hunters.

The couple said the chance to bunk down free of charge in the swish apartment was up for grabs to someone able to commit to 30 hours of “grandma sitting” a week.

Posted on SpareRoom, the home is described as a “spectacular 2000sqft three bedroom three bath apartment with a huge balcony boasting stunning river views” next to the Globe Theatre.

Unusual: Ross Elder wants someone to help care for his grandmother Margaret in exchange for rent-free accommodation
Ross Elder/SpareRoom

Margaret, who suffers from dementia and memory loss, is due to move to the London apartment next month from a care home in Staffordshire.

So-called grandma-sitting duties involving Margaret include cooking, helping her to get dressed, showered and spending time with her during morning and night shifts.

The advert reads: “We really want everyone in the house to be able to do the things they are passionate about; study, music, star gazing, work, go out, get seriously fit or whatever it is, but also be willing to be around to find those 30 hours to help with Margaret at times schedules and needs allow.

Crossword fan: Candidates must undertake a series of grandma-sitting duties to be successful
Ross Elder/SpareRoom

Mr Elder said he decided to move his grandmother, who he described as a huge crossword and puzzles fan, from the home because he became “struck by a sense of loneliness in her”.

He told the BBC: “I want to spend more time with Margaret. We have a lot of fun and we really enjoy her company.

“She's had a really busy and active life but two years ago she had a stroke and when we realised she couldn't live independently any more we had to move her into a care home."

“They do a great job there but I just became struck by a sense of loneliness in her.

Spacious: The couple are moving Margaret into the apartment next month
Ross Elder/SpareRoom

"The staff don't have time to spend one-on-one with every resident and she's not the type who would just join a group activity.

"I felt I wanted to do something more and so we decided to look at moving her in with us."

Since the advert was posted this week, the couple say they have been “overwhelmed” by more than 200 enquiries about the offer.

In an update posted on Friday, the couple said: “Thank you to all those who have contacted to wish us well or share their own stories of caring for a loved one - it helps a lot - we are really nervous about the responsibility we are about to take on and want to try our best to get it right.

“This includes those of you who have kindly offered to come and sing/play music to my Nan! You are awesome and we will be baking lots just for you!!!”

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