Age Differences in Homeless Veteran Characteristics and Outcomes in Transitional Housing Interventions

To examine the potential impact of aging on housing interventions for the homeless, we analyzed data from a large cohort of homeless veterans completing a transitional housing intervention program. Data for analysis consisted of records of veterans discharged from the VA Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program, which provides funds to community-based organizations to deliver housing and supportive services. Information from intake interviews and program discharge forms was analyzed for 40,280 veterans, 10,141 (24.8%) of whom were classified as older (age 55+) and 30,679 (75.2%) as younger. Older veterans were found to have more frequent recent use of VA healthcare services and to have serious chronic medical problems such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, COPD and emphysema. Older veterans reported more days of homelessness, but less use of alcohol and drugs, prior to admission than did younger veterans. Staff viewed older homeless veterans less frequently to have alcohol (56.0% vs. 62.0%,or drug abuse (39.5% vs. 58.5%) issues. Younger homeless veterans were seen as more frequently having psychiatric problems, with the exception of combat PTSD. A three-fold increase in PTSD was observed by staff for older veterans (16.0% vs. 5.6%). Older veterans had longer lengths of stay, but were less likely (38.0%) to complete the housing intervention program (50%). Younger veterans were more likely to be unemployed on discharge (30.5%) than older veterans (20.6%), but this was likely due to the fact that a high percentage of older veterans (48.6%) were discharged as disabled or on pensions.