Homelessness, Ageing and Dying 49 4.5 Suitable and stable accommodation and accommodation support The research found many interviewees (in a similar way to the general population) were deeply concerned that they might be moved to a nursing home if their health deteriorated. Their preference was to remain where they were for as long as possible and if they became very unwell to be moved to hospital. Their preferences are no different to those of the older people in general who are generally reluctant to consider this form of care because of loss of independence and general negative associations associated with this type of care. The differences between the general older population and the interviewees is age (the interviewees often have to consider the prospect of nursing home care at a much younger age than the general population because of poor health) and in some cases significantly more frequent occurrence of difficult experiences of living in institutions when younger and/or to having worked in nursing homes. The ideal situation for many interviewees (since most consider where they live their home) would be for the primary care team (e.g. GP, Public Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist) and Social Care Team and when the time comes the Palliative Care Home Team to be involved in supporting the person to live independently in “their home” and in some cases this is what happens. In other cases the reality is that the facilities and personal care services available within a particular accommodation facility (stairs, lack of disabled care facilities, lack of staff to provide personal care) can preclude the individual from continuing to live where they consider to be their ‘home’ on the basis of clinical need, as their health/mobility deteriorates, in turn precipitating what is often a difficult and rushed move that the individual believes they have no control over. This in turn highlights the importance of advance planning for individuals as their health needs increase. Interviewees living in communal accommodation targeted at all age groups also have a lot of concerns in relation to noise levels, levels of anti-social behaviour, the security of their possessions and the general comfort of their location, while the interviewees living in communal accommodation targeted at older age groups reported appreciating the quietness and comfort of their surroundings suggesting there may be a case to be made for accommodating older people who are homeless in more age specific accommodation. Recommendations in relation to suitable accommodation and accommodation support 10. Ensure the provision of facilities for older people who are homeless Research has shown that older people’s health and wellbeing generally tend to benefit from being in calm and comfortable surroundings. Where possible, older people who are homeless should have the option to be accommodated in dedicated longer terms facilities sheltered housing and housing (provided by approved housing bodies) designed to meet older people’s needs for comfort and security. Where possible these facilities should be able to accommodate residents’ pets. 11. Ensure (where possible) accommodation facilities for people who are homeless are accessible for those with mobility issues Facilities for people who are homeless should be designed to ensure they are accessible for people with mobility issues. Where facilities are in place the necessary adaptions should be made to ensure the facility is capable of accommodating an individual with mobility issues. The implementation of these recommendations would meet some of the policy objectives identified in the: • National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability.
Homelessness, Ageing and Dying
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