State Units on Aging and Housing for the Elderly: Current Roles and Future Implications

One major goal of the Older Americans Act (OAA) is to promote suitable housing for the elderly through the aging network that includes the State Units on Aging (SUAs). Little is known, however, about SUA activity in this area. This article reports on the results of a recent survey of SUA housing efforts and roles played, collaborations and networks, resources, and priorities, accomplishments and future initiatives. To better link housing and services and expand housing options as some SUAs are already doing-especially in services coordination in existing housing, board and care, home equity conversion mortgages and assisted living-they must redefine housing as part of community-based care, vigorously focus political and advocacy skills on housing issues, and expand their capacity building and expertise in housing by resetting priorities and reallocating budgets.