Hi there,
I am studying for a part-time master's degree in public policy at DCU, Ireland. My group has been asked to prepare A rapid policy assesment on housing options for senior citizens.
I would be very gratfeul if anyone has sources to share on the following:
1. what policies lead to better housing for all senior citizens>
Policies that lead to better housing for all senior citizens. However, based on general knowledge, some policies that can contribute to better housing for senior citizens include:
Age-friendly housing design: Implementing policies that promote the development of age-friendly housing, which includes features such as single-level living, wider doorways and hallways, grab bars, and accessible bathrooms. These design elements can enhance the safety and accessibility of housing for senior citizens.
2. Policies aimed at 'marginalized' senior citizens and those from 'minority' communities - I'm not always comfortable with the word 'minority' as their rights are equal to everyone else but I do agree that a significant part of our work should recognize the growth of distinct communities of senior citizens that fall under the overall umbrella of our topic - the LGBTQ senior citizens community being a good example.
3. Immediate policies, such as policies providing recommendations into the size, funding, and future growth plans of AHBs for senior citizens, as well as their approach to asset management, tenancy management, governance, and financial management.
what policies lead to better housing for all senior citizens?
The document does not specifically mention policies that lead to better housing for all senior citizens. However, based on general knowledge, some policies that can contribute to better housing for senior citizens include:
Age-friendly housing design: Implementing policies that promote the development of age-friendly housing, which includes features such as single-level living, wider doorways and hallways, grab bars, and accessible bathrooms. These design elements can enhance the safety and accessibility of housing for senior citizens.
Affordable housing options: Implementing policies that ensure the availability of affordable housing options for senior citizens, such as rent subsidies, housing vouchers, and affordable housing developments specifically targeted towards seniors. This can help address the financial challenges that many seniors face in accessing suitable housing.
Supportive services: Implementing policies that provide supportive services for senior citizens within housing communities, such as on-site healthcare services, social activities, and transportation assistance. These services can help seniors age in place and maintain their independence.
Home modification programs: Implementing policies that provide funding or assistance for home modifications to make existing housing more suitable for senior citizens. This can include installing ramps, handrails, and other accessibility features to improve safety and mobility within the home.
Aging in place initiatives: Implementing policies that support seniors in aging in place, allowing them to remain in their own homes and communities as they age. This can include programs that provide home care services, home maintenance assistance, and community support networks.
It is important to note that the specific policies and approaches to improving housing for senior citizens may vary depending on the country and local context.
4. Policies or examples of success in creating good community living environments for senior citizens, We would be helped by any sources that examined age friendly cities with the intention of writing about how we could make cities & towns more age friendly in general.
I would be very grateful for asssistance on this project as it is worth 80% of module marks!
Kind regards
Liam O' Ceallaigh
Several policies have been implemented to provide housing options for senior citizens in the United States of America. These policies aim to improve the quality of life for seniors by ensuring that they have access to safe, affordable, and appropriate housing options. This essay will discuss three policies that have successfully provided good housing options for senior citizens. The first example is the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program, created by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 1959. This program provides funding for developing affordable housing units specifically designed for seniors. The program also offers rental assistance to low-income seniors, making the housing even more affordable. According to a National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) study, the Section 202 program has successfully provided safe and affordable housing to nearly 400,000 low-income seniors (NLIHC, 2021). The program has also been praised for its focus on creating supportive communities for seniors, with services such as meal delivery and transportation assistance. Another policy that has successfully provided good housing options for seniors is the single-room occupancy (SRO) housing program. This program was first launched in the 1950s and was designed explicitly for low-income elderly individuals. SRO housing offers small, affordable units with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. The program has successfully provided affordable housing options for seniors and promoted a sense of community among the residents. A study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University found that SRO housing has effectively reduced housing cost burdens for seniors and improved their overall well-being (Joint Center for Housing Studies, 2018). The third example is the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, which created the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This program funds local governments to address various community needs, including affordable housing for seniors. The CDBG program has successfully promoted the development of high-quality, affordable housing for seniors in many communities across the U.S. For example, the City of New York has utilized CDBG funding to create a senior housing development with 355 affordable units and on-site services such as healthcare and social activities (NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, 2021). This program has also been praised for its flexibility, as local governments have the autonomy to determine the best use of funding based on their community's needs. These three examples demonstrate effective policies that have provided good housing options for senior citizens. These policies have increased the availability of affordable housing for seniors and focused on creating supportive and inclusive communities for them. Additionally, these policies have been continuously evaluated and updated to meet the aging population's changing needs. These examples highlight the importance of implementing policies that address the housing needs of senior citizens. Through the Section 202 program, SRO housing, and the CDBG program, the government has provided safe, affordable, and supportive housing options for seniors. These policies have improved seniors' quality of life and positively impacted their overall well-being. Policymakers must continue to prioritize and invest in programs that support the housing needs of senior citizens to ensure they can age in place with dignity and security.
References:
Joint Center for Housing Studies. (2018). Housing America's Older Adults. Retrieved from https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/research-areas/reports/housing-americas-older-adults#SRO
National Low Income Housing Coalition. (2021). Federal Program: Housing Opportunities for Low-Income Seniors and Older Adults. Retrieved from https://nlihc.org/federal-programs/housing-opportunities-low-income-seniors-and-older-adults
NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development. (2021). Community Development Block Grant Program. Retrieved from https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hpd/developers/community-development-block-grant-cdbg-program.page
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Filing