AHEAD

Homelessness in Ireland has reached unprecedented levels and among this population, older adults represent a small but rapidly growing cohort due to the intersection of multiple vulnerabilities, including age-related health conditions, reduced income security, and disability (DHPLG, 2025; Gonyea and Grenier, 2021; DHPLG, 2017). Research also indicates that people with disabilities experience higher levels of poverty, social exclusion, and difficulty accessing appropriate housing (Heslop and Emerson, 2017). Older adults with disabilities face compounding barriers. Ageing may bring declining mobility, sensory impairments, and increased reliance on healthcare services (Sen and Nagaram, 2024). Simultaneously, structural barriers in the housing system, such as unaffordability in the private rental market, limited accessible housing stock, and restrictive eligibility criteria for public housing supports, disproportionately affect this cohort (Stone, 2020; Carder et al, 2018). The Central Statistics Office (CSO) reports an 83% increase in privately renting households headed by someone aged 65+ between 2016 and 2022, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of older adults approaching or in retirement (CSO, 2022).

Despite these trends, research on homelessness and ageing in Ireland remains limited, particularly for those with disabilities. Existing literature often overlooks the intersectional experiences of older adults with disabilities, leaving policymakers with insufficient evidence to design age- and disability-inclusive interventions. This research addresses that gap by focusing on the lived experiences of older adults with disabilities, ensuring that findings reflect the realities of those most affected and providing actionable insights for policy and practice.

1. Critically examine how ageing, disability, and homelessness interact to shape accessibility needs over time
2. Explore the barriers and facilitators to accessing housing and homelessness services among older persons with disabilities
3. Identify how housing and homelessness services can be adapted to better meet the needs of older adults with disabilities
4. Develop evidence-based actionable recommendations for policymakers to improve housing policy, and to support prevention strategies and service delivery