Elderly Independence Programs Evaluated

The Nation's increasing senior population has significant implications for HUD-from allocating housing units and services to formulating policy that caters to elderly people's needs. HUD recently released an evaluation of two of its assisted housing programs for the elderly, Report to Congress: Evaluation of the HOPE for Elderly Independence Demonstration Program and the New Congregate Housing Services Program.

The report summarizes HUD's long-term evaluation of the HOPE for Elderly Independence Demonstration Program (HOPE IV) and the New Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP). The research is helping HUD develop cost-effective policies to address the complex issues in assisting America's growing frail elderly population to live independently outside institutions.

The report finds that most participants were satisfied with the services of the two programs, which combine rental assistance with case management and supportive services. Many credited the programs with making it possible for them to live independently, rather than in a nursing home or other more restrictive environment. The majority of participants took part in activities and enjoyed social contact.

The report compares HOPE IV and CHSP in relation to benefits and outcomes for the public housing authority (PHA) and participants; participant characteristics; and informal assistance, social support, and service utilization. The main difference between the two programs is that HOPE IV is tenant-based and CHSP is project-based.

The report concludes with the following key recommendations:

• In the absence of new funding for HOPE IV and CHSP, HUD might consider expanding and allowing the service coordinators, who now support congregate housing, to operate also within HUD tenant-based programs.

• An examination of both groups revealed relatively high levels of frailty and unmet needs for services among current recipients of HUD housing assistance. Congress and HUD could promote adoption of the HOPE IV and CHSP models for both tenants and residents, as well as for the new Section 8 voucher and congregate housing applicants.

• Rather than favoring either congregate or scattered-site programs, HUD policies should ensure that frail seniors have a range of housing assistance options.

Order Report to Congress: Evaluation of the HOPE for Elderly Independence Demonstration Program and the New Congregate Housing Services Program from HUD USER for $5. Use the order form.