Almost nine in 10 older Australians say they want to stay in their homes as they age. But that is a dream for almost three-quarters of renters.
A new report released by Anglicare, Ageing in Place: Home and Housing for Australia’s Older Renters, explores how Australians want to age and the barriers they face in staying at home, particularly for renters.
The survey found that 72 per cent of renters cited cost as the biggest barrier to ageing at home.
And those costs are unlikely to improve given that the residential vacancy rate in Australia dropped to just 9 per cent nationwide in August, its lowest level in more than 16 years, as rental supply dwindled amid soaring demand.
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The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Australia is $401. A single age pensioner receives $1026.50 per fortnight plus a maximum rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance of $151.60 per fortnight. That leaves $376 per fortnight for all other living costs.
The Anglicare report was based on a review of literature relating to renting and ageing in Australia and internationally, followed by a national survey of 500 Australians over the age of 50.
The survey found that 87 per cent of people, whether owners or renters, want to remain at home as they get older. While the cost involved was a barrier for just 15 per cent of homeowners, that figure jumped to 72 per cent for renters.
Anglicare says the structure and funding of Australia’s aged care system assumes that people own their home or live in secure and affordable rental housing, while aged care itself is becoming more focused on providing that care in the home.
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Anglicare Australia executive director Kasy Chambers says everyone should be able to live life to the fullest as they get older.
“For most people, that means ageing in their own home,” she says. “But the housing crisis is locking more and more Australians out of that dream.”
Anglicare wants all levels of government to make changes that help people age at home.
“We need reforms to aged care and home care so that renters can make changes to their homes, get the support they need, and stay independent for longer,” Ms Chambers says.
“We’re calling for a new model of leasing that offers longer-term security for older people and protects them from unfair rent increases. And we need a big boost to social housing.”
Read: Uncovering the truth about ageing in Australia
Without the right housing, the report says, it is much harder for older people who rent to age in place, and yet “our research also shows that this is what most Australians want”.
“Older people overwhelmingly told us that they want to age in their own home as long as possible, regardless of whether they are renters or owners.”
Guardian Australia reports that most rental homes do not meet basic accessibility requirements for older renters.
“Only 46 per cent of those renters surveyed said their home would suit an older person with limited mobility, compared to over 70 per cent of those who owned their own home.”
And gaining permission to make modifications was often difficult and expensive.
Wendy Morris, 75, lives in “a tiny rented granny flat in the Perth Hills”. She told the Guardian that the private rental system was broken.
“The scariest thing is insecurity and unaffordability, particularly for older women …,” she said. “It uproots you from your community. It’s also very expensive to shift. It’s the financial stress, and the mental health issues that come along with that.”
Read the full Anglicare Australia report here.
Are you an older renter? Do you have concerns about the challenges of staying at home as you age? Why not share your experience and thoughts in the comments section below?