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The causes of homelessness in later life: Findings from a 3-nation study
Objectives. This article presents findings from a study of the causes of homelessness among newly homeless older people in selected urban areas of the United States, England, and Australia.
Methods. Interviews were conducted in each country with ≥122 older people who had become homeless during the last 2 years. Information was also collected from the subjects' key workers about the circumstances and problems that contributed to homelessness.
Results. Two-thirds of the subjects had never been homeless before. Antecedent causes were the accommodation was sold or needed repair, rent arrears, death of a close relative, relationship breakdown, and disputes with other tenants and neighbors. Contributory factors were physical and mental health problems, alcohol abuse, and gambling problems.
Discussion. 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.
History
Publication title
Journals of Gerontology. Series BVolume
60BPagination
S152-S159ISSN
1079-5014Department/School
Wicking Dementia Research Education CentrePublisher
Oxford University PressPlace of publication
1275 K Street Nw Suite 350, Washington, USA, Dc, 20005-4006Rights statement
Copyright (2005) by The Gerontological Society of America.Repository Status
- Restricted