Anglicare Australia is calling for action to help older renters age at home. The call is made as Anglicare Australia releases a landmark study conducted by Aging in Place on older renters that found 72 per cent of renters said cost was the biggest barrier to ageing at home while only 46 per cent of renters said their home is suitable for an older person.

“Everyone should be able to live life to the fullest as they get older. For most people, that means ageing in their own home,” said Anglicare Australia Executive Director Kasy Chambers.

“But the housing crisis is locking more and more Australians out of that dream. Almost 70 per cent of renters in our survey said that cost is the biggest barrier to ageing at home.”

Chambers also stated that some of the interviewees disclosed that they were forced to move, accept changes to their lease, and were afraid of being evicted. Stability in old age is important, however many face a bigger issue, security.

“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. 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.”

Anglicare Australia is calling on all levels of government to make changes that help people age at home through social housing stating that it is the most powerful way to keep older people in secure homes and stop them from going into aged care before they’re ready.

“Older people have told us what they need to age well. Our hope is that governments will listen, and help more Australians to age at home.” added Chambers.

Ageing in Place: Home and Housing for Australia’s Older Renters is part of Anglicare Australia’s Australia Fair series.