Perceptions of Risk: Perspectives on Crime and Safety in Public Housing for Older Adults

Safety Concerns for Persons with Dementia in Senior Housing: A Qualitative Study with Korean American Caregivers in Los Angeles

Subsidized senior housing helps many socioeconomically disadvantaged older adults pursue independent living and aging in place. However, cognitive impairment or dementia poses a critical challenge to many residents' ability to live independently and safely. Focusing on Korean American dementia caregivers, a group known to be vulnerable to caregiving burden but understudied, we explored the safety of persons with dementia in senior housing from the perspectives of caregivers. Qualitative data from nine caregivers whose care recipients were current or former residents of subsidized senior housing in Los Angeles were analyzed by the constant comparative method. Major concerns emerged were: (1) fire risks, (2) wandering, (3) physical injury (e.g., self-harm, falls), and (4) potential neglect. Caregivers also mentioned errors in the self-administration of medications, potential financial exploitation, and interpersonal conflicts. These concerns provide implications for services and programs for the safety of persons with dementia who live in senior housing.

Housing Satisfaction Among Older Adults Living in Low-Income Seniors' Housing

Tenant experience surveys are a key tool for social housing landlords to gauge their success in providing high quality housing. This paper examines feedback from a tenant experience survey facilitated in a low-income housing seniors' housing community to: (1) examine their perceptions of their housing across key domains related to tenant satisfaction; and (2) identify opportunities they felt would improve their housing experience. A total of 1,114 households completed the survey. Results showed that tenants generally had high satisfaction with property management, safety and security, communication with staff, access to services, community support, and tenancy management. However, open-ended comments from tenants highlighted specific situations that negatively impacted their housing, including maintenance issues, safety concerns, and limited access to health and social programs. Findings point to several suggestions for social housing providers to enhance their services to foster inclusive, supportive, and safe housing environments for low-income older adults.