Meeting the private sector housing condition and adaptation needs of older people: responses from environmental health and other services in London

Purpose
This study explores the environmental health role in meeting the housing condition, adaptation and associated needs of older people living in private sector housing in London, including those living with and at risk of dementia.
Design/methodology/approach
A multi method approach was adopted. First, relevant public facing websites in London were scrutinised. Second, a Qualtrics online survey was designed and circulated to capture relevant information around relevant services offered. Third, seven face to face interviews were conducted with front line practitioners involved in providing housing services to private sector owners and tenants. These were transcribed verbatim and analysed using NVivo software before categorising into themes arising.
Findings
An erratic picture emerged around the meaning of ‘older people’ and services offered. A mixture of organisational arrangements and types of assistance available was reported, with different ways of access and referral to services, with a range of discretionary grants offered including for dementia. Some LAs offered minimal specialist services, with others providing highly integrated and client led, flexible interventions to meet a range of needs. Limited inclusion of research, evidence and evaluation of effectiveness of interventions was reported overall, although client feedback was noted as good where services were provided.
Originality/value
There is very little published around environmental health work in supporting older people living in London and their housing, health and social care needs. This paper captures a snapshot of current and proposed services offered across London for owner occupiers and private sector tenants, as a basis for further research for evidence based, effective front line services going forward.