As we age, we expect to have a safe and secure place to call home. Unfortunately, for many elderly individuals, this is not always the case. One such person is a vulnerable woman who is facing eviction from her home and is being told she may have to move into a hostel. At the age of 70, she has expressed her frustrations and fears, as she should not have to face this kind of uncertainty and upheaval in her golden years. This article delves into her story and sheds light on the struggles that many elderly people face in securing stable housing.
A 69-year-old woman in Dublin is facing eviction from her rental property as a result of the lifting of the eviction ban. Mary Linden, who has a range of health problems, including an upcoming hysterectomy, has said she is fearful of being thrown into a hostel. Despite having worked throughout her life, Linden is now struggling to find a new home, as she requires medical adjustments to any property due to her physical condition. Linden’s fears of ending up in emergency accommodation are shared by homeless charities like Depaul and Focus Ireland, who have criticised the lifting of the eviction ban. However, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has defended the decision, arguing that the practice of postponing evictions was not helpful and ultimately led to a spike in homelessness.
The crisis in the Irish rental sector has had a significant impact on older people, many of whom are facing eviction without any suitable alternative accommodation available to them. Sean Moynihan, CEO of Alone, a charity for older people, has expressed concerns about the lifting of the eviction ban, noting that they have already seen the impact on older renters. Moynihan said the charity is working with those who have received notices to quit their rental accommodation and are sleeping on sofas, living in cars and caravans or other unsuitable conditions because they cannot find alternative housing.
The charity notes that in the current rental climate, finding alternative rented accommodation is difficult, with rents unaffordable for those dependent on a State pension. This poses a significant challenge for those over 50 who make up around a quarter of social housing applicants. Moynihan also highlighted the lack of security in the rental sector, which is not suitable for many older people with health difficulties and limited incomes.
Mary Linden’s case is just one of many that highlight the shortcomings of the Irish rental sector, further exacerbated by the lifting of the eviction ban. With a growing aging population and a decline in home ownership, the demand for appropriate affordable housing for older people is set to increase, and the government should be taking steps to address this. The provision of suitable housing for the ageing population is crucial if housing-dependent older people are to avoid significant hardship or institutionalisation.
