The Health and Housing of Older New Zealanders

Existing research establishes a clear link between poor housing and poor health. There is also growing evidence that the physical, mental and social wellbeing of individuals and households can be improved by ensuring their access to suitable accommodation. Yet despite the growing body of research documenting the benefits of supported independent accommodation as a means of maintaining the independence and wellbeing of older people, there has been little research evaluating the place of such accommodation within the New Zealand context. This book (based upon a Masters thesis) addresses that gap. It reviews existing literature on the topic, together with population and accommodation demographics, and New Zealand government policy in relation to housing and health. It explores six examples of innovation in older persons' health and housing, identifying the implications for ongoing policy and service development. It concludes that supported independent accommodation will play an increasingly important role in the continuum of accommodation and care for older people, offering an alternative to more institutionalised models of care.