| Abstract [eng] |
Due to aging society, homelessness has become a relatively fast-growing global problem, which is not well known yet. Considering the age aspect in the context of the impact of homelessness, the loss of a home experienced in old age is more drastic and complicated than in other age groups. It is more difficult to return back into stable living conditions after losing a home as an older adult. Focusing on the phenomenon of homelessness through the experience of families, young people or workingage people results in older adults being identified as a forgotten or hidden group that is rarely described and studied in comparison to the rest of the homeless population. It is uncommon for the phenomenon to be analysed from the perspective of a social worker, despite the fact that one of the most important roles in revealing it (the experiences, needs, challenges and resources of older adults) among this age group is played by the social worker. The specificity of the activities performed by social workers allows not only to determine the cause-effect relationship of the homelessness phenomenon of older adults but also to reveal its essential features. In this context, a question detailing the problem is highlighted: how do social workers describe the experience of homelessness among older adults? The research object of the final master's project: the phenomenon of homelessness of older adults. The subject of the research: the phenomenon of homelessness of older adults from the perspective of a social worker. The aim of the study is to reveal the phenomenon of homelessness of older adults through the perspective of a social worker. In order to achieve the goal of the research, the following tasks were set: 1) to substantiate the phenomenon of homelessness of older adults in the context of the activities of a social worker; 2) to substantiate the research methodology of the phenomenon of homelessness of older adults from the perspective of a social worker; 3) to reveal the attitude of a social worker working in a shelter house towards the phenomenon of older adult homelessness. The approach of qualitative research was chosen for this study by applying a phenomenological strategy. The study was based on the theoretical approach of social construction. Data collection methods used in the research: analysis of scientific literature; document analysis; semi-structured interview. It should be noted that after the analysis of the scientific literature, a theoretical model of the phenomenon of homelessness among older adults from the perspective of a social worker was developed. The method of data analysis used in the research is qualitative content analysis. The results of the study showed that in older age, the interaction of individual and structural causes plays an important role in the process of becoming homeless. Due to age and socio-economic aspects, the chances of older homeless adults to overcome homelessness on their own are rather limited. Among older homeless adults, long-term homelessness is a major form of homelessness that occurs with recurrent episodes and begins when older homeless adults still belong to the of working age. From the perspective of social workers, ensuring the reintegration of older adults into society and the need for housing are key to tackling homelessness among older adults. The research revealed a lack of social services and difficulties in the assistance process. Furthermore, the results of there search revealed the invisibility aspect of the elderly homelessness phenomenon. The final master's project consists of an introduction, three parts of the final project (theoretical, methodological, empirical), conclusions and recommendations for social policy makers; municipalities, social workers working with homeless older adults and researchers. |
