Policies and practices for supporting aging in the right place for older people with experiences of homelessness

Walsh, J., Canham, S. L., Weldrick, R., & Konkin, J. (2025, October). Policies and practices for supporting aging in the right place for older people with experiences of homelessness [paper presentation]. National Conference on Ending Homelessness, CAEH 2025, Montreal, QC. 

Abstract

Amidst Canada’s aging population, the unique needs of older adults with experiences of homelessness remain critically underrepresented in policy recommendations and service models. This symposium brings together scholars and practitioners working at the intersection of aging, housing insecurity, and health to explore emerging strategies and best practices on how to support older adults to age in the right place. First, Rachel Weldrick will describe mechanisms that support social integration, connection, and participation among older people staying in a scattered-site temporary housing program in Vancouver, which include access to technology, frequent communication with staff, and accessible spaces within the housing environment. Next, Jeff Walsh will discuss barriers, challenges, and practices in the delivery of competent and inclusive hospice care to the growing number of older homeless Canadians with life-limiting illnesses requiring end-of-life care. These practices include physical spaces and relational care that attend to the unique needs of older people experiencing homelessness, such as harm reduction, community engagement, and access to cultural care. Following, Jenny Konkin will share insights from three years of data from a BC Housing-supported pilot project describing an innovative community building, tenant support model for older adults who are at-risk of or who have experienced homelessness in Vancouver. Finally, Sarah Canham will suggest potential policy directions to support older adults with experiences of homelessness to age in the right place in Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal rooted in the themes of housing stability, supported housing with integrated services, and inclusive design. Together, these presentations will offer actionable recommendations on how to support diverse populations of older adults using a multi-sectoral approach. Grounded in research evidence, our action items will offer strategies for how providers and policymakers can best support older adults to age in the right place.