The Causes of Homelessness in Later Life: Findings From a 3-Nation Study

Abstract

Most subjects became homeless through a combination of personal problems and incapacities, welfare policy gaps, and service delivery deficiencies. Whereas there are nation-specific variations, across the three countries, the principal causes and their interactions are similar.

Exploring opportunities for healthy aging among older persons with a history of homelessness in Toronto, Canada

“…Previous studies have found that chronically homeless older persons often report histories of mental illness, addictions, unemployment, and other personal barriers that make it hard to maintain stable housing (Cohen, 1997;Crane et al, 2005;Crane and Warnes, 2010;McDonald et al, 2007). A recent body of literature has also focused on growing rates of homelessness among seniors who have lost their housing for the first time in older age Warnes, 2001, 2007;McDonald et al, 2007;Rota-Bartelink and Lipmann, 2007).…”

“…While a sudden change in financial situation can cause housing loss among seniors and the elderly, a number of other factors are also cited within the literature. These factors include physical illness, disability, marital breakdown, family violence, and declining mental health, particularly after the death of a spouse or partner (Crane et al, 2005;Crane and Warnes, 2010;McDonald et al, 2007McDonald et al, , 2009. It is also noted that older persons with a history of mental illness, unemployment, poverty, and incarceration are the most at-risk of housing loss in older age (Cohen et al, 1997).…”

“…While many studies point to growing numbers of homeless youth (Gaetz et al, 2013a(Gaetz et al, , 2013bKlodawsky et al, 2006;Rachlis et al, 2009), almost an equal share of researchers project increasing numbers of older homeless persons in their senior and elderly years (Cranes andWarnes, 2007, 2010;Kushel, 2011;McDonald et al, 2007McDonald et al, , 2009. Within this literature, experts generally point to two different subgroups, including both older persons who experience housing loss for the first time in their senior years (Crane et al, 2005) and those who have long histories of chronic homelessness Warnes, 2001, 2007;McDonald et al, 2007;Rota-Bartelink and Lipmann, 2007). In either case, there is growing concern among researchers about the health and wellbeing of older persons who are formerly homeless and living in poverty.…”

Homelessness among older people and service responses

“…In a Tri-Nation Study conducted in four English cities, Boston (Massachusetts) and Melbourne (Australia) of 284 men and 94 women whose current episode of homelessness began when they were aged 50 or more years, 68% had never been homeless before. [33][34][35] Several events and states triggered becoming homeless, including having to leave their accommodation because it was sold, converted or condemned (19%), difficulties with paying rent or mortgage (27%), death of a spouse, relative or close friend (11%), the breakdown of the marital or cohabiting relationship (20%), and disputes with relatives, neighbours and co-tenants (23%). Other contributory factors included physical and mental health problems, the loss of a job, financial hardship, and alcohol problems.…”

Engaging Homeless Persons in End of Life Preparations

“…However, in addition to the empirical evidence that homeless persons value and desire written ADs, there are concep-tual justifications to explore the use of ADs among the homeless. In a population characterized by poor quality personal 33,34 and health care relationships 17,18,35,36, it is likely that many homeless persons lack surrogate decisionmakers. In addition, they may be less likely to have persons emerge who might overrule an AD.…”