A Case Study on Interventions for Housing Welfare for Low-Income Older Adults Living Alone in Urban Area Based on Cases of Congregate Housings for Older Adults: What Do We Need for Its Intervention?

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the phenomenon of social interventions on housing welfare for low-income elderly people who live alone in urban area. Using Stake’s instrumental case study methods and utilizing the cases of congregate housing for older adults, ｢the house for the elderly｣, this study intends to investigate the background where the social intervention on housing welfare for low-income elderly people who live alone in urban area has started, what and how factors are interrelated with, and how it has worked in such a way. It also explores the experiences of related stakeholders including older adults living at ｢the house for the elderly｣. Participant observations in six ｢the house for the elderly｣, in-depth interviews with 42 participants, related documents, and visual materials were collected and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Case illustrations and three main themes are presented. Based on research findings, implications for the housing welfare for low-income older adults, the practical meaning of the elderly housing, and the necessity of developing service integrated housings are discussed.