Thank you to all who joined us for today’s #CFHPolicySeminar on Homelessness in Older Age. The insights shared will guide our advocacy for housing and health care solutions that center on dignity and inclusion.

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Cynthia makes an excellent point: We are not a monolith.

We need to focus on the individual. We cannot silo individuals into age groups and assume what they need based solely on their age.

Jessie says we need to follow up with individuals with psychological testing and quantitative data before passing an individual along in the system, particularly to a hospital where they might not get the same support for their needs.

Jessie Schwartz of @nychealthsystem.bsky.social says systems can collaborate with one another better by ensuring all services are provided to individuals at the point of crisis response, referencing a study on cognitive impairment in shelters.

Troy recognized that 60% of people in their medical respite programs go on to access supportive housing. A majority of adults in those programs are 55+.

Older adults still have dreams and hobbies. Occupational therapy can support older adults in pursuing those and fostering a sense of community.

Troy Boyle of the Institute for Community Living points out that many older adults have complex mobility/neurological issues, and discharging to shelter is often not a safe option.

Their medical respite program provides rooms, meals, and around-the-clock care, where they can stay as long as needed.

Paul Freitag of the Westside Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing says they are looking into cluster care; with enough residents who need it, they can coordinate the care of home health aides so they can efficiently be used throughout the day, rather than come for a couple of hours and leave