Informing housing practices throughout photovoice with older adults who experience homelessness or housing insecurity

Patille, R., Bookmyer, G., Lam, E., Mora, D. J., Mahmood, A., Gurung, S., & Canham, S. L. (2022, October). Informing housing practices throughout photovoice with older adults who experience homelessness or housing insecurity [paper presentation]. Canadian Association on Gerontology 2022 Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting, Regina, SK, Canada.  

Abstract

The concept of aging in the right place (AIRP) emphasizes that older adults’ environment must support their diverse needs to age optimally. However, there is limited research on what AIRP means for older persons experiencing homelessness (OPEH). This study’s objective was to identify concepts of AIRP through photo documentation of their lived experience in a temporary housing program (THP). The data collection method used was photovoice interviews, each consisting of two sessions, were conducted with 12 OPEH with diverse backgrounds and housing experiences. Photovoice allowed participants to express what is important to them through a photo and take ownership of the themes discussed during the interviews. Three 30–90-minute interview session with each participant allowed for nuanced insights into how the THP contributes to AIRP for OPEH. Interviews were transcribed and a coding framework was developed to analyze insights from OPEH. The findings demonstrate that the THP is a steppingstone for OPEH to AIRP. The emerging themes contributing to AIRP are: 1) community mobility and access, 2) role of time, space, and diverse users in social interaction, 3) supportive nature of THP, and 4) engagement with built and natural environment. To conclude, photovoice provides an opportunity for OPEH to actively engage in research, tell their stories through visual representations, and reflect on what is important to AIRP. Findings can help bridge current gaps in knowledge and provide guidance to transform program practices related to housing for OPEH by offering insight on the barriers and facilitators of AIRP.