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Slaug B, Granbom M, Iwarsson S. Estimating Accessibility Problems in the Swedish Housing Stock Using Citizen Science: The Housing Experiment 2021. J Appl Gerontol 2024:7334648241262646. [PMID: 39023853 DOI: 10.1177/07334648241262646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Accessible housing for the aging population is important, but large-scale reliable information on accessibility problems in ordinary housing is lacking. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of environmental barriers and analyze potential accessibility problems in the Swedish housing stock and to evaluate the validity and representativeness of housing data collected in a citizen science project. Data on environmental barriers in 1181 dwellings were collected by members of the public. Prevalence of barriers and potential accessibility problems were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ranking methodology. Validity and representativeness were addressed by comparisons with public statistics and research, and analysis of data properties. It was found there are substantial numbers of environmental barriers in dwellings across Sweden that generate accessibility problems for people with functional limitations. The results suggest that with user-friendly data collection tools and instructions, data validity and representativeness can be achieved in citizen science projects involving older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Slaug
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Marianne Granbom
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Susanne Iwarsson
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sweden
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Lindsay S, Ragunathan S, Fuentes K, Li Y. Barriers and facilitators to obtaining accessible housing among children, youth and young adults with disabilities and their families: a scoping review. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:3266-3285. [PMID: 37584404 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2246011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Accessible housing is a fundamental human right and yet many children and youth with disabilities live in inaccessible, insecure, unaffordable and poor quality housing. The aim of our study was to understand the barriers and facilitators to obtaining accessible housing among children, youth and young adults with disabilities and their families. METHODS We conducted a scoping review involving seven international literature databases from 2000 to 2022 that identified 38 studies meeting our inclusion criteria. RESULTS The reviewed studies involved 10 countries over a 22-year period. Our review emphasized the following key trends: (1) barriers to obtaining accessible homes (i.e. common types of accessibility barriers, rates of inaccessible housing, factors affecting home accessibility), and negative impacts of inaccessible housing; and (2) rates and facilitators to obtaining accessible housing (i.e., common types of home modifications, enablers of home modifications) and positive impacts of accessible housing. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the barriers and enablers of obtaining accessible housing among children, youth and young adults with disabilities and their families and the critical need to support them in securing appropriate housing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Lindsay
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sharmigaa Ragunathan
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kristina Fuentes
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yiyan Li
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Lindsay S, Fuentes K, Ragunathan S, Li Y, Ross T. Accessible independent housing for people with disabilities: A scoping review of promising practices, policies and interventions. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0291228. [PMID: 38271462 PMCID: PMC10810508 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accessible housing is imperative to enabling independent living for many people with disabilities; yet, research consistently shows how people with disabilities often lack appropriate accessible housing and are more likely to experience unaffordable, insecure, and/or poor quality housing. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand promising practices, policies and interventions regarding accessible independent housing for people with disabilities. METHODS We conducted a scoping review that involved searching seven international literature databases that identified 4831 studies, 60 of which met our inclusion criteria. RESULTS The reviewed studies involved 18 countries over a 20-year period. Our review highlighted the following key trends: (1) removing barriers to obtaining accessible housing (e.g., advocacy, builders enhancing housing supply, subsidies and financial incentives); (2) policies influencing accessible housing; (3) interventions to enhance accessible housing (i.e., home modifications, smart homes, mobile applications and other experimental devices); and (4) the impact of accessible independent housing on health and wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS Our findings emphasize the importance of accessible housing for people with disabilities and the urgent need to advance accessible housing options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Lindsay
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, East York, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kristina Fuentes
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, East York, Canada
| | - Sharmigaa Ragunathan
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, East York, Canada
| | - Yiyan Li
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, East York, Canada
| | - Timothy Ross
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, East York, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Geography & Planning, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Sturge J, Miedema E, Elf M, Nordin S. Socially sustainable housing and built environments to support the health and social inclusion of older adults: protocol for a scoping review and stakeholder consultation. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075447. [PMID: 38081665 PMCID: PMC10729231 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Housing and the ageing population are issues that pose challenges for social, health and economic policies. Therefore, there is a need for more knowledge on how to design housing and public infrastructure to improve the social engagement and well-being of older adults who age in place. This project aims to provide an overview of the existing literature on design features that support socially sustainable living environments for older adults. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A systematic scoping methodology was used to identify and summarise the findings. Four databases were searched (CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Scopus, Medline and Embase) to identify the articles. Articles were included if published in English in the last 15 years (eg, from January 2008 to June 2023) without restricting the study location or country. Articles were included if they were based on empirical qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method data. The results of the review will be discussed with a panel of 15 stakeholders (n=15) from Canada, Sweden and the Netherlands (five per country). The interdisciplinary stakeholders will have expertise in housing, architecture, engineering and social and health services. The consultations will provide content expertise to the literature findings and an opportunity to build evidence-based solutions that support the design of socially sustainable living environments for older persons. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical clearance for this project has been granted by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority for Dalarna University (dnr 2023-01543-01) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Sciences (NES) Ethics Committee at the University of Twente in the Netherlands (dnr 230407) has approved this project. Stakeholders will be asked to provide signed consent to participate in the study. The results of this project will be disseminated through web seminars, community advisory groups, peer-reviewed journals and policy documents to support the development of housing and public health policy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER OSF, https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/PR2NC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi Sturge
- Department of Design, Production and Management, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Elke Miedema
- Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, TU Delft, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Marie Elf
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
| | - Susanna Nordin
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
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Iwarsson S, Granbom M, Jonsson O. Synthesizing implications of a collaborative project on socially sustainable housing policies for the aging population. BMC Res Notes 2023; 16:281. [PMID: 37858172 PMCID: PMC10585825 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-023-06565-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Based on findings from four transdisciplinary original research studies on housing issues for the aging population, whereof three had a particular focus on marginalized groups, we report a co-produced synthesis of implications from a collaborative research project on socially sustainable housing policies. Researchers and non-academic partners in the ongoing Thematic Collaboration Initiative Social Rights and Housing for the Aging Population at Lund University collaborated in co-creative activities aiming at policy recommendations. RESULTS Seven types of implications (i.e., themes) that represent macro and meso level approaches with potential to generate impact on social rights and housing for the aging population were identified. The content of legislation and regulations, financial institution strategies, and housing and neighbourhood development exemplify macro level implications. The three themes education and training, communicating with a diversity of stakeholders, and communicating with the public all relate to an overall need for integrated knowledge translation. The theme involving older adults as a resource delivered insight into underutilized capacities of the diverse target group. As the quest for integrated knowledge translation is growing stronger, this research note contributes to development of co-production approaches to synthesize implications of transdisciplinary collaboration, connecting research, practice and policy on societal challenges that ay population aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Iwarsson
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, P.O. Box 157, 221 00, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Marianne Granbom
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, P.O. Box 157, 221 00, Lund, Sweden
| | - Oskar Jonsson
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, P.O. Box 157, 221 00, Lund, Sweden
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Heller C, Ekstam L, Haak M, Schmidt SM, Slaug B. Exploring housing policies in five Swedish municipalities: alternatives and priorities. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:260. [PMID: 35135523 PMCID: PMC8827245 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12672-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Housing shortage due to population growth within metropolitan areas, combined with an ageing population, has put pressure on current housing provision in Sweden. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop sustainable housing policies to accommodate the growing number of seniors in accessible home environments. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of how municipalities currently address housing accessibility issues and to explore what types of policy solutions they consider for the future. Material and methods Five Swedish municipalities were selected to represent a diversity of the population, housing provision approaches, and geographical areas. To understand current housing policies, two key actors (e.g. public officials, housing adaptation grant managers, city architects, etc.) from each municipality participated in semi-structured interviews (N = 10). Subsequently, those key actors, two senior citizens, and three researchers participated in a research circle to explore future policy solutions. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results The interviews revealed common approaches to deal with housing accessibility issues such as regular renovations and maintenance, individual adaptations based on specific needs, and seeking collaboration with private housing actors on housing provision matters. Possible measures suggested for the future included increasing the national coordination of housing accessibility policies, amending legislation to only allow the construction of housing according to strengthened accessibility standards, and introducing economic incentives for seniors to move from housing with poor accessibility to more accessible accommodations. Conclusions Municipalities struggle with the lack of accessible and affordable housing for their ageing population, despite a large variety of policies from economic incentives to research and development policies. The results suggest that collaboration needs to be improved between all actors involved in housing policies. Preventive measures within the current laws may be needed to strengthen the construction of more accessible and affordable housing for populations ageing in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Heller
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Lisa Ekstam
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria Haak
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Nursing Education and Integrated Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Steven M Schmidt
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Björn Slaug
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Andersson N, Slaug B, Nilsson MH, Iwarsson S. Environmental barriers and housing accessibility problems for people with Parkinson's disease: A three-year perspective. Scand J Occup Ther 2021:1-12. [PMID: 34871133 DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2021.2007998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although housing accessibility is associated with important health outcomes in other populations, few studies have addressed this in a Parkinson's disease population. AIM To determine the most severe environmental barriers in terms of housing accessibility problems and how these evolved over 3 years among people with Parkinson's disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS 138 participants were included (men = 67%; mean age = 68 years). The most severe environmental barrier were identified by the Housing Enabler instrument and ranked in descending order. The paired t-test was used to analyse changes in accessibility problems over time. RESULTS The top 10 barriers remained largely unchanged over 3 years, but with notable changes in order and magnitude. 'No grab bar in hygiene area' and 'Stairs only route' were top-ranked in generating accessibility problems at baseline but decreased significantly (p = 0.041; p = 0.002) at follow-up. 'Difficulties to reach refuse bin' was top-ranked at follow-up, with a significant increase (p < 0.001) of related accessibility problems. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE The new knowledge about how accessibility problems evolve over time could be used by occupational therapists to recommend more effective housing adaptations taking the progressive nature of Parkinson's disease into account. On societal level, the results could be used to address accessibility problems systematically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilla Andersson
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Björn Slaug
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria H Nilsson
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.,Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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