Older Homeless People

This page is about the issues for older homeless people. In the context of homelessness older people are those over the age of fifty, some of whom continue to sleep rough others suffer from being trapped in poor, insecure and inappropriate accommodation. People also become homeless for the first time in later life often as a result of a combination of factors; such as bereavement, ill health, poverty, debt and substance misuse.

POLICY CONTEXT

The Housing Act 1996 makes provision for people who are vulnerable due to old age to be considered priority homeless (although the duty owed also depends on having a Local Connection and not being Intentionally Homeless). However there is not a specific age at which people are considered vulnerable due to old age. People aged under 60 years are unlikely to be accepted under this provision.

In many areas sheltered housing is under less pressure than other forms of social housing. Older people who present as homeless may be offered a sheltered tenancy. If they are owed a duty the accommodation must be suitable and for older homeless people this is not always appropriate. Their needs may be too complex and they may need supported housing or accommodation with care.

THE ISSUES

Older people over 50 are the most adversely affected by homelessness in relation to both physical and mental health, yet paradoxically they often face the greatest difficulties in gaining access to vital services. The needs of older people are often ignored because their experience of homelessness is less visible than other groups and they lack the voice and representation required to highlight their specific interests and issues.

Some older people have been living in hostel accommodation for many years, their mobility may be becoming poor, they may be vulnerable and open to exploitation, and they may have increasing care needs. Hostels are not appropriate places for people to live in their old age and yet there are a lack of long term supported housing solutions suitable for older people with complex needs, many of whom are continuing drinkers and/or have become institutionalised and do not have independent living skills.

Meaningful occupation in the homeless sector is often oriented to younger people and to training and employment. Access to structured and interesting activities is just as important to older people to combat isolation, and stimulate their health and well being and their interest.  The Coalition on Older Homeless Project has produced a report on Meaningful Activity and Older Homeless People as a result of work with four Help the Aged funded projects. It aims to stimulate ideas for further specific work with this client group.

SOME SOLUTIONS

Homeless Link has been extensively involved with the Coalition on Older Homelessness Project which aims to raise awareness of the specific issues for older homeless people and to work towards improved services.

Homeless Link, together with the Coalition, has been working with local authorities to audit the needs of their older homeless populations and respond accordingly. Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Westminster and Blackburn have carried out audits of their older homeless population. The Coalition has produced a free web based tool: Homeless Older People's Needs Audit and a from its work with local authorities.

This has been followed up with web based guidance on Addresing the Needs of Older Homeless People which is aimed at local authorities and providers of homelessness services and housing for older people. We are currently working on additional guidance on preventing homelessness in later life.

Resettlement is an important issue in allowing the older homeless to exit unsuitable hostels. See our guide to moving on older homeless people from hostels.

 

further RESOURCES