Background to the Research

• The concept of social exclusion is an important theme which has emerged in relation to social policy over the past few years and the particular disadvantages suffered by homeless people have been recognised.
• However, while much attention has focused on youth homelessness, little attention has been paid to the additional hardship suffered by older people facing homelesness.
• This research was carried out to investigate the causes, incidence and effects of homelessness among older people.
  

Research Approach

• The research was conducted with people over the age of 50 in NI and in eight counties in ROI.
• The methods used included:
  • An examination of legislative provisions in relation to homelesness in both NI and ROI.
  • Statistical analysis of the incidence and causes of heomelessness among older people.
  • A survey and audit of temporary accommodation accessible by older homeless people.
  • Interviews with key personnel in statutory and voluntary sector organisations.
  • Interviews with a range of older homeless people.
    

Main Findings

• The most prevalent causes of homelessness among single women and couples is 'accommodation not reasonable'. For single men it is a lack of accommodation in NI.
• Also significant is homelessness due to the breakdown of sharing arrangements and the loss of private rented accommodation.
• The length of stay in temporary accommodation ranges from one week to seven years.
• Many older homeless people felt that the advantage of living in a hostel was that it provided some structure in their lives.
• Negative factors were concerned with the stresses of communal living.
• Most older homeless people interviewed said their health was poor.
• Hostel staff identified a number of problems with homeless older people including:
  • Imposing rules and regulations.
  • A lack of knowledge among older homeless people of the benefits systems.
  • Literacy problems.
  • Mobility and accessibility of the hostels for older people and health problems such as incontinence which are suffered by some residents.
  • Gaining access to primary health care for homeless residents.
  • Resettlement issues and rehousing options for older homeless people.