Resettled older homeless people: What works and reasons for failures

This paper examines the housing and support needs of older homeless people when they are resettled. Evidence is from a longitudinal study of the resettlement of 64 older homeless people, which monitored their progress for two years after they were rehoused. The subjects were rehoused in various types of accommodation: independent and sheltered flats, shared houses and residential care homes. At the end of 24 months, 31% had either abandoned their accommodation or been evicted. Several housing factors had an impact on settledness and tenancy sustainment: the condition of the tenancies, problems with co‐tenants and the responses of housing workers to the clients' problems and needs. A review of supported housing for older homeless people is required, including the role of residential homes for people with mental health and alcohol problems.