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Public-sector service provision for older people affected by homelessness in England

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 November 2015

SARAH ALDEN
SARAH ALDEN*
Affiliation:
Department of Sociological Studies, The University of Sheffield, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: Sarah Alden, Department of Sociological Studies, The University of Sheffield, Elmfield, Northumberland Road, Sheffield S10 2TU, UK E-mail: sarah.alden2@gmail.com
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Abstract

This paper assesses provision for older people affected by homelessness in England, giving regard to research findings, such as those developed through a pathways model, which show that the experiences of this group are qualitatively distinct when compared to younger households. Current conceptualisations of older age held by Local Authority Housing Option Service professionals are considered, alongside factors relating to government policy and resource issues. It was found that some practitioners adopted an age-blind approach when assessing older groups, despite this being contrary to policy guidance on assessing vulnerability in England. Further, services and housing options aimed at older groups were viewed as inadequate due to a mixture of lack of awareness, targeting and resources. It is concluded that assessment of vulnerability based on older age is complex, as whilst gerontological discourse may discourage viewing age as a number, homelessness scholars stress that rooflessness causes poor health conditions consistent with premature ageing. It is therefore asserted that policy makers must focus greater attention to developing suitable provision for older service users and look to incorporate a richer conceptualisation of how older age may impact upon the homelessness experience.

Keywords

older homelessnesshomelessness pathwayslifecourseEnglish homelessness policyactive ageing
Type
Articles
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 37 , Issue 2 , February 2017 , pp. 410 - 434
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2015 

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