Ensuring the aged care system supports older women experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness

The Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG) launched three papers addressing older women who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness on 6 August 2018. These papers were developed in collaboration with a range of experts from the housing, homelessness and aged care sectors and have been endorsed by a wide range of organisations from these sectors.

Background Paper - a summary of the evidence from research, service providers and experts, as well as an overview of available services in Australia.

Things to consider - for practitioners and service providers who are not experienced and/or specialised in providing services to older women experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

Position Paper - recommendations to Federal, State and Territory Australian governments based on the evidence summarised in the Background Paper.

The Position Paper identifies five key areas where improvements can be made to ensure that older women who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness have access to the right services:

* A fundamental need for social and institutional change to address the lack of affordable, appropriate and secure housing supply, as well as to address the lower socio-economic status of women compared to men.
* Changes to ensure that the aged care system can meet its legislated responsibility for meeting the needs of older people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
* The integration of aged care, homelessness, health, social service and disability systems.
* Prioritisation of early detection and intervention. Expansion and further development of services that are appropriate for the age, gender, and needs of older women who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.