When the golden years of life turn grey and foreboding
BY LERISSE SMITH
It is a harsh reality that cannot be ignored.
The golden years that were once expected to bring peace and financial stability for older single adults living in Tasmania have turned into a battleground as a growing number teeter on the brink of homelessness.
For an increasing number of people living in Tasmania’s northern region who are over 65 and sometimes younger, their car is sometimes the sole remaining asset in their lives.
However, there is hope.
The Salvation Army’s CareFinder program in Launceston is on the frontline supporting single adults, primarily those aged over 60, who are at risk of becoming homeless and grappling with both financial hardship and affordable housing options, leaving them vulnerable to a precarious future.
“Virtually everybody I work with has no savings or assets to speak of other than a car,” said Sue Wynne, Case Manager with CareFinder.
“We’ve got people living in cars and tents. There are a lot of really lonely people, and nearly all of them are singles. Some of our people sleep rough, but they do not actually sleep at night because they are keeping an eye on all their stuff. So, they will come in here during the day to know that they are safe to just lay down on the couch and catch up on their sleep.”
The program is funded by the Federal Department of Aged Care and run by The Salvation Army across Tasmania. It assists people both practically and emotionally, and, depending on their circumstances, it can also support people younger than 60.
The CareFinder team also collaborates with councils and other organisations to help those with nowhere to live.
Many individuals associated with the program have been long-term renters who suddenly had to move when their landlords decided to sell their properties.
The wait for affordable and secure housing can be long for those over 65 who may have the option to join a waitlist for retirement villages that distribute a portion of units for social housing rentals. During this transitional period, Sue and her team offer continuous support.
Contributing factors Factors leading to why older single individuals find themselves requiring a rental property or social housing include a significant number of female clients who come from a generation where women often did not work outside the home and were rearing their children, leaving them with no superannuation.
“A common thing they say to me is, ‘I really never thought I would end up in this situation’,” Sue remarked.
“Their marriage has fallen apart, or their partner has passed away, or there has been domestic violence. So, a lot of women just end up totally on their own. Definitely, women are more vulnerable than men.”
Another main factor leading to the risk of being homeless among women is estrangement from their families. A common theme is that they are not inclined to share details of their marriage breakdowns or the situation they are in, so often, their offspring have no idea what their mother has endured.
“It’s just a really common thing,” Sue reflected.
“Women don’t tell their kids what they have been through. A lot of them say they would like to live in a community with other women where they feel safe.”
Men can face homelessness due to work-related injuries, such as farm accidents, marital breakdowns, and sometimes family violence.
If the CareFinder team is unable to find accommodation for their clients, shelters like Safe Space can provide day-to-day living arrangements, and women’s shelters too – but these are often full. Eventually, when accommodation is found, Sue will help people by organising removalists or some basic furniture.
Many clients additionally face physical health challenges too that can complicate their situations.
“It can take a long time to get somewhere affordable and secure for someone,” Sue explained.
“So, it’s kind of holding them in that space. In the meantime, a lot of them have all sorts of issues with their physical health. For example, I’ve been supporting a lady who has a hernia, neck problems and leg problems. She is down on all these waitlists for the surgeries, but each waitlist is several years long. So, I am working with her to coordinate it all so they can do as many surgeries as possible in the one go.”
While many CareFinder clients are aged 65, Sue sometimes assists those aged 50 to 65 who face financial challenges, often only able to access the Job Seeker allowances before turning 65. This financial strain is compounded by job search requirements, which can be especially difficult for women who have been out of the workforce, leading to increased anxiety and depression.
During COVID, life was made a little easier as they received the same amount as those on an age and disability pension; however, the payments stopped as soon as the government ceased the special COVID payments.
“I find the system a bit cruel,” Sue said.
“Our clients are expected to apply for these jobs, so they just apply here, there and everywhere, and of course, get knocked back. So, if they are suffering from any anxiety or depression, it’s not helping it at all.”
Employers become frustrated with people seeking jobs that aren’t available, Sue remarked, which worsens the clients’ anxiety, lowering their confidence and affecting their self-esteem. Many are also dealing with the aftermath of traumatic relationships or childhoods, contributing to anxiety, depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Discrimination The stigma surrounding aging and homelessness can also lead to discrimination.
Sue has accompanied clients to emergency services and witnessed how their conditions can be misinterpreted, making advocacy crucial in ensuring they receive appropriate care. She cited a recent example where she took a male client to Accident and Emergency who had a stroke but was mistakenly taken for being a person who was drunk. Without Sue, he would not have received the urgent care he required.
Being single and older has other unique challenges; without a partner, individuals must navigate health and financial issues alone, leading to feelings of intimidation in places like Centrelink.
“I just notice their whole demeanour changes when we walk into Centrelink, it’s like it really triggers them,” Sue commented. “So, it helps to have someone to go as an advocate for them.”
Future hope While the CareFinder clients face many challenges, Sue remains hopeful and continually works with several groups and the council to try and find housing solutions for those people sleeping rough.
She hopes in time, there will be more homes built for them, focused on being community-minded and inclusive. An additional hope is that there will be a move back towards overseas initiatives, such as Housing First in Europe, that accommodate like-minded people with regular support provided at home. It has proven to be sustainable to support people.
Connection between people is of paramount importance, too.
With many challenges ahead, the motivating force behind Sue’s work with the community is receiving positive feedback, which is a powerful source of encouragement.
“Sometimes it can be quite frustrating working through the bureaucracy of everything,” Sue said.
“But when clients turn around and say they just appreciate the fact that you’re walking alongside them and they are seeing you on a regular basis, and get to build that trust with you, it makes supporting them very worthwhile.”
