Abstract
It is recognized that housing choices for older people in Australia may be currently constrained by geographical location, lack of housing diversity and other socioeconomic factors. However, the needs of most elderly people can be catered to within the general housing market if opportunities are opened up and if policies are directed towards this objective, in particular through the New Homes for Old Program. Policy approaches may need to be different for home owners and non-home owners, but the link between well-being and the feeling of control over housing decisions is a common theme. This article describes some of the initiatives aimed at older home owners and discusses the impact of the Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged (ACHA) Program run by the Federal Department of Health and Family Services, which targeted insecurely housed older people.
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Additional information
About the author: Maree Roberts works for the Aged Care Division of the Department of Health and Family Services, and is responsible for housing and care links and the Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged (ACHA) Program. She has also worked for local and state governments and in the voluntary sector in human service provision. She is currently studying for an M.A., focusing on housing policy.
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Roberts, M. Housing with care: Housing policies for an ageing Australia. Ageing Int. 23, 90–106 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-997-1007-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-997-1007-0