The current private rental model will see a “dramatic increase” in the number of older homeless people in the future unless it is reformed, anAlone, the older person’s support group, will tell the Oireachtas housing committee on Tuesday that on average 20.5 per cent of people they support have housing issues.
“If we continue to rely on the model as it stands today, with greater numbers renting into older age, we will see a dramatic increase in the older people homeless numbers support needs among this age group,” the non-governmental organisation will say. According to CSO figures, 2.4 per cent of the over 65s and 10 per cent of people between 50 and 54 are renting from private landlords, and it is anticipated to grown. Alone is calling for the committee to ensure that government policy statements and implementation plans dating to 2019 be updated and reviewed on a regular basis.
Supports to help older people right-size their accommodation should be encouraged, which would release family homes back into the housing stock. “The way these conversations have [BEEN]approached in the past has not helped this debate,” the committee will be told. Own door housing for older people, with support services on site, should also be encouraged.