Housing Options for Older Adults

How can we make it easier for older adults to find information on various housing options and supports as they age?

Project Description

This is a continuation of the project started in Fall 2023 with the following description:

The City's Seniors Advisory Committee (SAC) would like to update the housing guide for older adults. The goal is to include information on various types of housing options, housing supports, financial supports related to housing, and well as contact information for the above. SAC would also like to work with students to build an intergenerational and collaborative working relationship. Best practices and research will aid in the development of this publication. This project aligns with the 2021-2026 Hamilton's Plan for an Age-Friendly Community (www.hamilton.ca/agefriendly)

In Scope:

  • Update the content of the 2015 Housing Options guide (https://www.hamilton.ca/sites/default/files/2022-07/HSAC-hamilton-housing-options-guide-seniors-older-adults.pdf)

  • Update the design of the 2015 guide that considers inclusion (for those without internet access, for those who do not speak English, etc.) 

  • Develop a marketing and dissemination strategy for the guide that considers inclusion. 

  • Develop policy briefs on a ‘hot topic’, e.g. Garden suites/ laneway homes, co-housing, long-term care, options for those experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s, etc.) 

  • Develop a creative and user-friendly compilations of all the organizations, agencies, government departments that work on these themes (including their contact info) which  outlines the resources available. 

  • Design a qualitative research project on a seniors and housing research question (please include a focus group and/or interview guide, if relevant)

  • Conduct a secondary data analysis focused on Hamilton on a seniors and housing research question. 

  • Develop a policy brief outlining evidence-based actions the city could take to address this issue.

Instructor: Léa Ravensbergen, PhD  Assistant Professor, School of Earth, Environment & Society

City Staff: Lisa Maychak, Project Manager Age-Friendly City/ Healthy & Safe Communities/Long-Term Care Homes Division