Nowhere to go: homelessness and the over 50s

We tend to associate homelessness with younger people. But the problems that ead to homelessness can affect anyone at any life stage, with older people increasingly at risk, reports KATH KYLE.

avatar Posted by on November 14, 2011. Filed under News. Posted with the tags:,
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Nowhere to go: homelessness and the over 50s

Not all homeless hostels are grim, grey and Dickensian. The new Morning Star Hostel in Belfast caters for single men (photo by Albert Bridge, geographic.org.uk)

It’s a common misconception that homelessness is caused mainly by financial problems and falling behind with rent or mortgage payments.

In fact, according to the homeless charity, Shelter, 55 per cent of homeless cases are the result of disputes within a household and requests to leave.

Other reasons include:

  • Action by a landlord or lender, such as eviction, repossession or rent increase.
  • Harassment by neighbours or non-domestic violence
  • Discharge from hospital, prison or care.

Older people are not immune

There is a lack of comprehensive statistical evidence showing the full extent of homelessness among older people. But a Shelter Scotland spokesperson told elderjuice: “Over the six months from September 2010, just over 10 per cent of calls to our helpline where age was recorded were from over-55s.”

In Scotland alone, in 2009-10 almost 1500 adults over retirement age lived in households that applied to their local authority as homeless. In some parts of the UK, the problem is even worse.

How to get help if you’re homeless

Finding yourself without a suitable place to live is stressful – but there is help available, from your local authority and from organisations such as Shelter.

Shelter works to alleviate the distress caused by homelessness and bad housing. The organisation offers advice and information, and provides advocacy services.

It also campaigns for lasting political change to end the housing crisis.

Get advice on homelessness
Anyone who is at risk of homelessness or needs housing advice can contact the Shelter helpline on :

  • 0808 800 4444 (England and Scotland)
  • 0845 075 5005 (Wales)

You can also find further advice on these page on Shelter’s website:
Get Advice in England
Get Advice in Scotland
Get Advice in Wales

Local services
You can find also pinpoint more localised services by entering your postcode in Shelter’s local advice directories for:

England
Scotland
Wales (click on map)

Find out more about special housing requirements

Although you may have a home, that home may not meet your requirements.

If you think that you need help to get supported accommodation, or you require adaptations to allow you to stay in your current home, check out the following web pages:

Shelter Scotland’s advice for people with special requirements

Shelter England’s advice on housing with support

Shelter can also help you look at your options if you are considering moving to a home where you can receive help, or to a place that’s more suitable for your needs.

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