In Britain, programmes to resettle homeless people have multiplied in the last ten years. As distinct from simply ‘rehousing’ a homeless person, ‘resettlement’ involves careful matching of the individual’s capacities and needs with an appropriate housing placement, attentive planning and preparation for the move, and the provision of follow-up personal and social support during a settling-in period and, in some cases, long-term. The programmes have however rarely been evaluated and little is known about the factors which contribute to successful resettlement. Many ex-homeless people experience problems of adjusting to settled living and the responsibilities of a home, and there is a high rate of tenancy breakdown in the first two years, particularly in the first six months. This paper presents the findings of a study of the outcomes of resettlement for 63 formerly older homeless people who were rehoused in independent and supported housing. Interviews were conducted with the subjects at home every three months until they had settled and had experienced no problems for six months. Six-monthly contact was then maintained for the first 24 months of rehousing. The outcomes of rehousing are analysed against restrospective and prospective events and states, including personal factors, post-resettlement events, and the characteristics of the new home. Sub-groups of interest include those defined by the presence or absence of: (i) relatives and friends, (ii) alcohol and mental health problems, (iii) short and long histories of homelessness, and (iv) experience of independent living.
Learning Objectives: Understand the factors associated with the outcomes of the resettlement of older homeless people. Appreciate importance of program evaluation for homeless services
Keywords: Outcomes Research, Elderly
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.