REHOUSING OLDER SOCIAL HOUSING TENANTS: HEALTH-RELATED PROCESSES AND OUTCOMES

BackgroundIn the context of a social housing crisis, the UK must meet the housing needs of an ageing population. Rehousing schemes run by social housing providers are important means to support older (aged 55+) social housing tenants to move to appropriate homes. A better understanding of how well these schemes work is needed. This paper is based on a study (01/2020–12/2021) of the health-related processes and outcomes linked to the rehousing of older social housing tenants in Hackney/London through four local authority-supported schemes: Downsizing; Regeneration; Housing Moves; Seaside & Country Homes.MethodsA mixed methods design entailed a scoping review, based on a search of scientific databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, PsychINFO) and the grey literature, and a narrative synthesis of results. Interviews with practice-based stakeholders across sectors (n=11) were conducted. A survey of older social housing tenants who have moved through a rehousing scheme (n=766), analysed in Excel, generated descriptive statistics and themes for qualitative exploration. A Photovoice component with 16 survey participants, currently underway, has been designed to capture the participants’ rehousing experience and its effect on their lives. It entails interviews and focus groups. Interviews and a focus group are being conducted with older social housing tenants who were interested in being rehoused, but opted against moving (‘non-movers’; n=5). All qualitative data are analysed thematically in NVivo12. All methods have been adjusted to comply with Covid-19 rules.ResultsThe review yielded three peer-reviewed papers and 13 reports, thus revealing a gap in knowledge around the health-related effects of rehousing older social housing tenants. Interviews with practice-based stakeholders highlighted promising approaches in the rehousing schemes, such as highly personalised support, and challenges, including a lack of suitable homes for tenants to move into. The survey yielded 62 valid responses (8.1%). As well as helpful elements (e.g. being given choices) and challenges (e.g. poor communication) in the rehousing process, it identified welcome (e.g. a warmer home) and unwelcome (e.g. loneliness) health and wellbeing outcomes. The findings will be broken down by rehousing scheme. They will be supplemented by detailed insights from the Photovoice components and data collection with non-movers.ConclusionThe study was designed to generate insights that can inform efforts by Hackney Council and other social housing providers to improve rehousing schemes for older tenants and optimise their health-related effects. Channels through which findings will be shared with decision makers and the public include a national workshop and a photo exhibition.