The Family Relationships of Older Australians at Risk of Homelessness. (10th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Petersen, Maree; Parsell, Cameron
• Is Part Of: British journal of social work. Volume 50:Number 5(2020)
• Page Start: 1440
• Page End: 1456
• Publication Date: 2020-02-10
• Subjects: Australia -- family relationships -- homelessness -- older people; Social service -- Periodicals; Social workers -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bcaa007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-3102

Abstract

Abstract: This article explores the links between older people's homelessness and family relationships and aims to inform social work practice frameworks. Whilst breakdown in family relationships is widely recognised as linked to being at risk of homelessness, there is less understanding of the interplay of family, both positive and negative, with older people's homelessness. Drawing on a study incorporating data mining of service records, this article aims to provide clarity on supportive and troubled family relationships and their links to housing crises as experienced by older Australians. The findings highlight a number of domains for social work practice including undertaking skilled assessments to understand the strengths and constraints experienced by families. Assessments will then inform intervention to support and provide resources to some families to prevent their older family members' homelessness and to intervene in both a preventative and empowering way to address elder abuse. The implications for policy, in particular, the need for sectors of housing, aged care and health to intersect, are discussed.