Perceptions of homelessness in older homeless veterans, VA homeless program staff liaisons, and housing intervention providers.

PURPOSE: To understand the needs and challenges encountered by older homeless veterans.

METHODS

We conducted six focus groups of older veterans, two focus groups, and one semi-structured interview of VA staff liaisons, and two focus groups and one semi-structured interview of housing intervention providers.

RESULTS

Major themes for older veterans: 1) negative homelessness experience; 2) benefits of the structured transitional housing program; 3) importance of peer outreach; and 4) need for age-tailored job placement programs. Major themes for VA staff liaison/housing intervention providers: 1) belief that the transitional housing program has made a positive change; 2) need for individualized criteria to address the unique needs of veterans; 3) distinct differences between older and younger homeless veterans; 4) outreach services; 5) permanent housing issues; and 6) coordination of services.

DISCUSSION: Compared with younger veterans, older veterans have less social support, greater employment and health challenges, and, perhaps greater motivation to change.