Challenges in Meeting the Needs of Older Homeless People: Shelters Workers' Perspectives

Background: The number of older people experiencing homelessness is increasing across Canada. Yet their needs are often overlooked in homelessness reduction strategies, which focus on younger populations.  The objectives of this paper are to explain the challenges older homelessness brings for those working in shelters, and to suggest practice changes required to meet the needs of older homeless people. 

 

Methods: In depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen stakeholders working in shelters in Montreal, Quebec. Interviews focused on current levels of awareness of aging and homelessness, unique issues related to ageing and homelessness, and service barriers and facilitators. Data analysis was conducted in three stages. In the first, each transcript was examined for ideas or observations treated independent of one another and noted in the margins of the text. In the second stage, initial observations were re-examined and preliminary categories were created. In the third and final stage connections and patterns both within and between categories were explored. Constant comparisons within each case and between different cases (e.g., service providers in different services settings, references to different ‘types’ of older homeless adults) were conducted to explore similarities and differences in service provider perceptions and experiences of homelessness and aging.

Results: Findings revealed three key service gaps and challenges in shelter workers’ experiences working with older homeless people. First, understanding the complex individual and structural factors — beyond simply a lack of shelter — leading to homelessness in later life is necessary to respond to older adults’ needs. Here considering differences in the trajectories of people who are chronically homeless throughout their lives and those who become homeless for the first time in later life is necessary.  Second, services that are adapted to the challenges specific to older adults (such as access to pensions) as well as services that respond to diversity among older adults are necessary. Third, a wider array of integrated, accessible health and social services are necessary to support older homeless adults as they transition to stable housing. 

 

Conclusion: Services for homeless people are currently ill-equipped to support older adults creating important challenges for social workers in these settings. Innovative programs and service changes are necessary given the growing number of older homeless people.