Homeless older people left out of service planning

Inadequate housing arrangements for older homeless people
leaving hospital can lead to early re-admission or even needless
death, a new report suggests, writes Natasha
Salari.

According to the report, the National Service Framework for
Older People prioritises the need to improve hospital discharge
planning and care, but does not consider the implications for older
people without adequate housing.

The report, for Help the Aged and the Housing Associations
Charitable Trust, urges health and social care agencies to work
closely with housing and homelessness organisations to ensure that
older homeless people are linked to community services.

Joe Oldman, older homelessness and housing needs manager at Help
the Aged, said: “This report indicates that much more needs to be
done to co-ordinate housing and care services, particularly for
older people with a combination of problems that include alcohol
misuse.”

‘The Discharge of Older Homeless People from Hospital’ from 020
7239 1946

www.helptheaged.org.uk

www.hact.org.uk