Aging & Social Change: Ninth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

Housing is fundamental to older people’s wellbeing, and people often wish to remain in their own homes as they age. Policies and programs regarding successful aging-in-place are premised on the fact that older people’s housing is stable and appropriate, as is effective delivery of in-home care. However, a growing number of older people are living in precarious housing, often leading to emotional and financial housing stress, and ill health. Home-based aged care delivery models such as individual budgets aim to deliver increased choice and control for consumers. They are often promoted by governments as a cost-effective way of meeting the increasing demand for in-home care. However, little attention has been paid to the consequences of such models for a growing group of older people - low-income renters. These renters often have less stable and appropriate housing and restricted rights to modify their accommodation. This paper draws on an Australian study that explored the delivery and receipt of individual budget style models of in-home care services to older renters. Low-income older renters and service providers of both housing and in-home aged care were engaged in interviews and focus groups. The renters reported positive and negative experiences with their housing and in-home care situations, across themes of autonomy and independence, accessibility and affordability, change and continuity, and security and isolation. Service providers expressed concerns about equity, sustainability, and suitability of in-home aged care and housing service assistance. These findings will be discussed, as will implications for welfare and financial policy and practice.