Meeting the private sector housing condition and adaptation needs of older people: responses from London ’s environmental health and allied services

This study aims to explore the environmental health role in meeting the housing condition, adaptation and associated needs of older people living in private sector housing in London, including those living with and at risk of dementia. A multi-method approach was adopted. First, relevant public-facing websites in London were scrutinised. Second, a Qualtrics online survey was designed and circulated to capture relevant information around relevant services offered. Third, seven face-to-face interviews were conducted with front-line practitioners involved in providing housing services to private sector owners and tenants. These were transcribed verbatim and analysed using NVivo software before categorising into themes arising. An erratic picture emerged around the meaning of “older people” and the services offered. A mixture of organisational arrangements and types of assistance available was reported, with different ways of access and referral to services, with a range of discretionary grants offered including for dementia. Some local authorities offered minimal specialist services, with others providing highly integrated and client-led, flexible interventions to meet a range of needs. Limited inclusion of research, evidence and evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions was reported overall, although client feedback was noted as good where services were provided. There is very little published around environmental health work in supporting older people...
Source: Housing, Care and Support - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Source Type: research