Push and Pull Factors Surrounding Older Adults’ Relocation to Supportive Housing: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Supportive housing, including retirement homes and assisted living, is increasingly touted as a suitable living option for Canadian older adults. This scoping review describes the nature and content of studies that explore underlying factors that motivate older adults to relocate to supportive housing. We conducted a search of PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, and PsycINFO, which identified 34 articles for review. Articles reviewed employed a variety of methods and guiding theoretical frameworks, of which the push and pull framework appeared to be most common. This review suggests that health and functional deficits are important reasons for relocation to supportive housing for older adults. Further longitudinal data are required to more comprehensively describe medical and social determinants for relocation and its consequences, in order to better describe this growing population and better align policies with the needs of older adults contemplating or undergoing relocation.

Reliance on Service Integrated Housing in Canada Compared to Ukraine

“…A vast array of terms are utilized to describe seniors' housing based on the level of care needed to support elders declining mental and physical health (Franco et al, 2021). This creates confusion and uncertainty for the elderly and their families as they explore the various housing options.…”

“…Surprisingly, financial considerations are only included in a few studies, especially considering the substantive costs associated with SIH (Franco et al, 2021). It has been found that seniors typically pay for their accommodation through four primary avenues: public pensions, social welfare programs, monetary transfers, their assets and wealth, and their accumulated labour income.…”

“…The primary problem that residents and their families face is the need to circumvent a catastrophe while the senior lives alone with growing physical and mental concerns (Campbell-Enns et al, 2020). In both the community and SIH environments, those relying on seniors' services tended to be primarily older women; this may be a consequence of women typically having a longer life expectancy, in addition to the significant associations between age and functionality (Franco et al, 2021). Regardless of age or gender, multiple push factors prompt seniors and their families to investigate supportive housing options.…”

“…Regardless of age or gender, multiple push factors prompt seniors and their families to investigate supportive housing options. In terms of personal characteristics, seniors may seek higher levels of care if they are experiencing increases in falls, hospital and emergency room visits, rapid physical/mental decline and increasing social isolation (Franco et al, 2021;Maxwell et al, 2013). Seniors may also choose to relocate over the fear of burdening their family, inadequate living arrangements, inability to maintain their property, or attempting to regain control over their future (Franco et al, 2021).…”

“…In terms of personal characteristics, seniors may seek higher levels of care if they are experiencing increases in falls, hospital and emergency room visits, rapid physical/mental decline and increasing social isolation (Franco et al, 2021;Maxwell et al, 2013). Seniors may also choose to relocate over the fear of burdening their family, inadequate living arrangements, inability to maintain their property, or attempting to regain control over their future (Franco et al, 2021). There is less data on whether gender, socioeconomic status, and depression (Maxwell et al, 2013) play a role in institutionalizing the elderly.…”