Showing papers in "Housing, Care and Support in 2021"

A stakeholder analysis of government policy intervention in the Ghanaian slum communities

Abstract: Purpose Slum upgrading has received intense attention in the Global South, particularly among stakeholders. This study aims to examine government policy priorities towards slum management with the view of establishing its level of commitment in terms of measures undertaken and identify specific policies to structure the sector. Design/methodology/approach The study systematically reviewed national policies, guided by the frequency statistics method in identifying key issues relating to slums management. Content analysis was used to identify findings into themes and discussed in line with the study’s objectives. Findings The results revealed the government’s determination to upgrade the existing slums, with the establishment of a Ministry for Inner City and Zongo Development to facilitate collaboration between stakeholders in the value chain of slum management. Furthermore, the study established government’s resolve to strengthen the Local Government Act, 1993, and the National Development Planning Act, 1994 within context to pave way for slums upgrading. Research limitations/implications The study used a national policy framework to inform the conclusion reached. Further studies are needed in similar contexts to understand the inputs of government and stakeholders and their contributions towards slum management. This would further expand the frontiers of knowledge in the domain. Practical implications The findings revealed policy-driven that can be used by policymakers, practitioners, housing managers and other relevant stakeholders to create workable policies for slum management. Originality/value This study provides first insight into government commitment to slums management using national policy documents in context.

The promises and the reality of smart, digital telecare in England

Abstract: This paper asks how the introduction of “smart” digital technologies might affect the goals that can be attributed to telecare for older people, by those coordinating its provision.,A total of 29 in-depth, qualitative interviews were conducted with local authorities, housing associations and other organisations coordinating smart telecare provision, as well as telecare manufacturers and suppliers. Interviews were analysed by using qualitative thematic analysis.,The analysis reveals discrepancies between the goals and outcomes of smart telecare provision, according to those coordinating service delivery. This study concludes that the goal for smart telecare to be preventative and cost-efficient may be complicated by various organisational and operational challenges associated with coordinating provision.,New, “smart” telecare technology for older people stands apart from earlier, user-activated or automatic devices. It may have distinct and under-researched organisational and ethical implications.

Evaluating the demographic scenario of gated communities in Dammam metropolitan area, kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the nature of gated communities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) focusing on the experiences of residents from different gated communities in the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA). It seeks to assess the socio-economic background of such communities and find out why people choose to live in gated communities and their perceptions of such housing patterns. Design/methodology/approach The questionnaire survey technique was used in this study to achieve the main purpose. The study used the triangulation method, which includes both qualitative and quantitative techniques as the most appropriate approach to be adopted. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis, while statistical analysis was performed to analyze quantitative data. Findings The findings of the study highlight that although gated communities are physically closed by walls and gates, it is distinguished by good social relations not only among their residents but even with the external surroundings, which makes these communities more attractive. Of course, this contrasts to some extent with the prevailing thinking that such communities live in a state of social isolation. Research limitations/implications The ideas of people who live outside gated communities are very important, however, it was not explored in this study due to time limitations. So, future research could focus on citizens’ perceptions of this type of urban settlement. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study assessing the nature of gated communities in KSA by focusing on the experiences of residents of different gated communities in DMA. Only a few studies have been done in this regard, so this research paper was conducted to bridge this research gap and build upon the literature.

The pandemic and homeless people in the Turin area: the level of housing adequacy shapes experiences and well-being

Abstract: Purpose Considering the case study presented, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of the pandemic in local services for homeless people. Drawing from the concept of ontological security, it will be discussed how different services' levels of "housing adequacy" shaped remarkably different experiences of the pandemic for homeless people and social workers in terms of health protection and agency. Design/methodology/approach This paper focuses on a case study concerning homeless services for people during the COVID-19 pandemic in the metropolitan and suburban area of Turin, in Northern Italy. In-depth interviews with social workers and participant observation during online meetings of workers from the shelters constitute the empirical data that have been collected during the first wave of the pandemic in Italy. Findings According to the findings, the pandemic showed shelters as unsafe places that reduce homeless people's decision power and separate them from the rest of the citizenship. Instead, Housing First projects emerged as imore inclusive and safermore inclusive and safer spaces, able to enhance people's power over their own lives. The pandemic did not create emerging issues in the homeless services system or discontinuities: rather, it amplified pre-existing problematic aspects. Originality/value The case study presented provides empirical insights to recognise at the political and organisational level the importance of housing as a measure of individual and collective security, calling for an intervention to tackle homelessness in terms of housing policies rather than exclusively social and emergency treatment.

Change readiness in individuals experiencing homelessness and multiple complex needs

Abstract: Purpose: To understand how staff in homelessness services conceptualise readiness for change in the individuals they support and how this informs their decision making in practice. Design: A qualitative design was employed. Ten staff members participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were examined through inductive-deductive thematic analysis, utilizing a social constructivist epistemological lens. Findings: Five main themes were constructed: 'multiple complex needs mean multiple complex changes', 'talk versus behaviour', 'change is not a linear trajectory', 'the role of consistent boundaried relationships' and 'change is not solely within the individual's control'. Originality: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to explore staff members’ conceptualisations of readiness to change in relation to individuals with multiple complex needs and how this might influence practice. Practical Implications: This research challenges existing notions of 'readiness for change' as located within individuals and a prerequisite for utilising support from services. It has implications for staff and services, particularly those which are time-limited and address only single problems; service users may not be ready for some changes but it should not be assumed they are not ready for change in other areas of their life. The offer of supportive relationships may precede and contribute to readiness for positive changes. Support should not be offered based solely on an individual's intra-psychic readiness for change, but also on how the system might actively work to promote hope that change can be achieved and maintained.

Pandemic preparedness and response in service hub cities: lessons from Northwestern Ontario

Abstract: Purpose - Responding to the needs of homeless and marginally housed persons has been a major component of the Canadian federal and provincial responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, smaller, less-resourced cities and rural regions have been left competing for limited resources (Schiff et al., 2020). The purpose of this paper is to use a case study to examine and highlight information about the capacities and needs of service hub cities during pandemics. Design/methodology/approach - The authors draw on the experience of Thunder Bay - a small city in Northern Ontario, Canada which experienced a serious outbreak of COVID-19 amongst homeless persons and shelter staff in the community. The authors catalogued the series of events leading to this outbreak through information tracked by two of the authors who hold key funding and planning positions within the Thunder Bay homeless sector. Findings - Several lessons may be useful for other cities nationally and internationally of similar size, geography and socio-economic position. The authors suggest a need for increased supports to the homeless sector in small service-hub cities (and particularly those with large Indigenous populations) to aid in the creation of pandemic plans andmore broadly to ending chronic homelessness in those regions. Originality/value - Small hub cities such as Thunder Bay serve vast rural areas andmay have high rates of homelessness. This case study points to some important factors for consideration related to pandemic planning in these contexts.

The impact of a refurbishment programme on older people living in sheltered housing

Abstract: Purpose This paper aims to explore residents' perceptions of a refurbishment programme to sheltered housing schemes and its impact on their well-being. Design/methodology/approach The methodology draws upon a realist evaluation framework. Four participatory appraisals (PAs) and 19 interviews with residents were conducted in the sheltered housing schemes. Ages of participants ranged from 50 to 99 years. Findings Two categories of residents were identified: healthy active older adults and older frail adults (or over 85+). Residents said their social and emotional well-being improved from the provision of indoor and outdoor communal areas. Older frail residents only accessed the new communal spaces when staff took them in their wheelchairs. The physical changes increased opportunities for social connections for residents. Conservatories and sensory gardens were most popular. Residents felt that structured activities in the new spaces and digital training would improve their social activities. Research limitations/implications The participatory methods spanned over an hour, and some residents felt too tired to complete the full session. Practical implications A practical limitation was that some sensory rooms were not fully completed at the time of the evaluation. Originality/value This paper adds the following: Perceptions of residents of a refurbishment programme in sheltered housing and the impact on their well-being. Perceptions of residents about social activities after a refurbishment programme. Perceptions of residents about the impact of physical changes to their sheltered housing schemes and impact on their internal accessibility to the improvements.

Evaluating trauma informed care training for services supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and multiple disadvantage

Abstract: Purpose – Implementing trauma informed care (TIC) for individuals facing homelessness and multiple disadvantage is proposed to help both service users and staff work effectively and therapeutically together. However, the effectiveness of implementing TIC via training is debatable. This study explores the effects of a fourday trauma informed care and psychologically informed environments training package in such services. Design and methodology – The analysis explores the effect of this training on the degree of trauma informed care as measured by the TICOMETER, a psychometrically robust organisational measure of TIC. The study examines group and individual level changes from before training and again at six-month and oneyear follow-up time-points. Findings – At the group level analysis, three of the five TICOMETER domains (Knowledge & Skills, Relationships, and Policies & Procedures) were higher when compared to pre-training scores. The remaining two domains (Service Delivery and Respect) did not improve. Individual level analysis showed some participants’ scores decreased following training. Overall, the training appeared to modestly improve the degree of trauma informed care as measured by the TICOMETER, and these effects were sustained at one-year follow-up. Research limitations – Findings are limited by the design and low response rates at follow-up. Originality – This paper is the first UK study to use the TICOMETER. Practical implications – Training is necessary but not sufficient for the implementation of TIC and needs to be complemented with wider organisational and system level changes.

Meeting the private sector housing condition and adaptation needs of older people: responses from London’s environmental health and allied services

Abstract: 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.

Tenant management under COVID-19 pandemic season among informal settlement rental housing in Ghana

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the roles of landlords in tenant management during COVID-19 pandemic season among informal settlement neighbourhoods in urban Ghana. Design/methodology/approach: This study used a mixed methods research approach and foregrounds the discussions of the results with the social roles theory. Using the quota sampling procedure, this study used 467 semi-structured interviews of tenants from five old informal settlement neighbourhoods in urban Ghana. This study adopted the thematic analytical technique in the results section. Findings: This study uncovered that landlords perform a gate-keeping social relationship role in ensuring tenant safety during the COVID-19 pandemic season through the provision of security, care and support, discipline, hard work, morale building to accountability. However, this study found that most landlords do not provide tenancy agreements to tenants which strained some social relationships in tenant management. Originality/value: The application of social roles theory in this study provides a cutting-edge approach to the study of welfare of tenants living in informal settlement housing units during periods of pandemic. This study practically provides a participatory approach to analysing and discussing the roles of landlords in tenant management and proffering solutions for formalisation of these roles in housing policies in Ghana. © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited.