WHEN A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME - EXPLORING THE MEANING OF SHELTER AMONG CHRONICALLY HOMELESS OLDER MEN

Authors
ELIAS CJ INUI TS
Citation
Cj. Elias et Ts. Inui, WHEN A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME - EXPLORING THE MEANING OF SHELTER AMONG CHRONICALLY HOMELESS OLDER MEN, The Gerontologist, 33(3), 1993, pp. 396-402
Citations number
28
Categorie Soggetti
Geiatric & Gerontology
Journal title
The Gerontologist → ACNP
ISSN journal
00169013
Volume
33
Issue
3
Year of publication
1993
Pages
396 - 402
Database
ISI
SICI code
0016-9013(1993)33:3<396:WAHINA>2.0.ZU;2-Q
Abstract
This study explored the world of 35 chronically homeless older men in downtown Seattle, with special attention to their experience of shelte r and its effect on health-seeking behavior. We found that their exper ience of shelter is intertwined with their perceptions of self and use of alcohol. For many, the public shelter provides safety, support, co mmunity, and an opportunity to regain sobriety - attributes of shelter often unattainable in single-room occupancy hotels - but only tempora rily.