Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Homeless older women in Australia: Legal and financial issues underlying a burgeoning problem

2^nd International Conference on Geriatrics & Gerontology

August 24-26, 2015 Toronto, Canada

Eileen Webb

University of Western Australia, Australia

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Gerontol Geriat Res

Abstract:

The plight of older homeless women is another troubling by-product of Australia�??s housing affordability problems coupled with an ageing population. Lifetimes of wage inequality and a continuing lack of housing affordability and availability make it a near-certainty that numbers of homeless older women will increase. As with the general homeless population, homelessness among older women cannot be singularly explained. The group is diverse in age, education, location, cultural background and life circumstances. Homelessness can be triggered by a single, traumatic event or a lifetime of personal disadvantage and misfortune. So, what circumstances can lead to homelessness at an age when most expect �??grandmothers�?� to be ensconced within the family unit? Beyond the pervasive issue of domestic violence, if there is insufficient superannuation, a partner dies, a marriage breaks down later in life or something goes wrong from a health or financial perspective, many older women find themselves in difficult circumstances. This paper considers whether Australian law can play a role in providing a meaningful response to homelessness. Recent efforts at legislating to create entitlements to housing and ensuring accountability are languishing; the paper suggests that such legislation be examined again with a view to embedding entitlements to housing and accountability measures into the law. The paper also examines the financial restraints on homelessness services in Australia. Essential programs for funding of homelessness services and capital works for public housing have been withdrawn or reduced. The paper argues that it is imperative that innovative approaches to housing the homeless are pursued and that more, not less, capital funding is made available. This is especially the case with this �??new�?� group of women who, for the most part do not fit society�??s image of homelessness. The supply of public housing must be increased with a view to constructing more single accommodation options suitable for older women.

Biography :

Email: eileen.webb@uwa.edu.au