The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #57274

Hope Watt, PhD, Director of Behavioral Health and Research, Committee to End Elder Homelessness, 1640 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02118, 617 369 1554, hwatt@ceeh.org, Kathleen Byrne, MSRN, Geriatric Team Boston Medical Center, Elders Living at Home Program, Ambulatory Care Center, Mezzanine, 1 Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, and Robert Shea, PhD, Director, Center for Inclusive Leadership and Social Responsibility, Pine Manor College, 400 Heath Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467.

This paper is one part of three part series that introduces the profiles, causes and comparative findings of newly homeless elders in the United States, England and Australia. The purpose of this paper is to explore the significant experiences of elders becoming homeless in Boston, Massachusetts. This presentation outlines the profiles of newly homeless older people which includes the demographic data of the respondents to the international interview tool as well as the case management assessment of these clients. This presentation will further identify characteristics, backgrounds, previous experiences and precipitating factors of newly homeless older people. It will also examine the relationship between the availability and accessibility of services and the reality of elder homelessness in Boston. Research findings will contribute to the comparative analysis of this international study, identifying the subsequent causes of elder homelessness within the three countries. The research findings will articulate the relationship between theories and policies and the entry of older people into homelessness.

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Identify the profiles and causes of elder homelessness in Boston, Massachusetts; 2. Recognize and discuss the comparative findings of elder homelessness between the three respective countries; 3. Recognize the relationship between theories of homelessness, governmental policies, access and practice attributes and how they have influenced the elders entry into homelessness.

Learning Objectives:

This paper is one part of three part series that introduces the profiles, causes and comparative findings of newly homeless elders in the United States, England and Australia. The purpose of this paper is to explore the significant experiences of elders becoming homeless in Boston, Massachusetts. This presentation outlines the profiles of newly homeless older people which includes the demographic data of the respondents to the international interview tool as well as the case management assessment of these clients. This presentation will further identify characteristics, backgrounds, previous experiences and precipitating factors of newly homeless older people. It will also examine the relationship between the availability and accessibility of services and the reality of elder homelessness in Boston. Research findings will contribute to the comparative analysis of this international study, identifying the subsequent causes of elder homelessness within the three countries. The research findings will articulate the relationship between theories and policies and the entry of older people into homelessness. At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• Identify the profiles and causes of elder homelessness in Boston, Massachusetts;
• Recognize and discuss the comparative findings of elder homelessness between the three respective countries;
• Recognize the relationship between theories of homelessness, governmental policies, access and practice attributes and how they have influenced the elders entry into homelessness.

Keywords: Homelessness, Community Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Committee to End Elder Homelessness, Boston, Massachusetts The Elders Living at Home Program, Boston, Massachusetts
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.