Bringing together housing and aging services: the experiences of area agencies on aging.
Aging organizations generally do not consider housing issues as an important priority. Research suggests that lack of knowledge may be a significant barrier that prevents their involvement in housing-related activities. This article reports on a study that examined the extent and level of AAAs' involvement in housing-related activities with particular attention to instances of cooperation and collaboration between AAAs and housing agencies. It employed a national survey of Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). Further, since the lack of knowledge about housing is a barrier to involvement, the study examined the role of a housing specialist in motivating higher levels of activity. Though there is no single overall indicator of activities to do with housing, the results indicate a range of activities pursued by AAAs. The presence of a housing specialist within the AAA generally served as a catalyst, motivating higher levels of this kind of activity. The importance of housing as a component of a comprehensive long-term care continuum is also discussed.
Sheehan
N W
NW
School of Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269, USA.
D000368:Aged; D006291:Health Policy; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016852:Housing for the Elderly / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011640:Public Policy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States