What are the training and support needs for homelessness hostel staff supporting older residents with memory and cognitive problems? A qualitative study
Abstract Background An increasing number of older people are experiencing homelessness and memory problems, many of whom are supported in temporary hostel accommodation. This can be a challenge for hostel staff who may not have adequate training and support but who often support those with significa...
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2025-01-01
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12246-2 |
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| author | Luna Zalc Sophie N. Gaber Penny Rapaport |
| author_facet | Luna Zalc Sophie N. Gaber Penny Rapaport |
| author_sort | Luna Zalc |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background An increasing number of older people are experiencing homelessness and memory problems, many of whom are supported in temporary hostel accommodation. This can be a challenge for hostel staff who may not have adequate training and support but who often support those with significant memory impairment in their day-to-day work. The study aimed to investigate the training and support that hostel staff require to meet the needs of older hostel residents experiencing memory and cognitive problems, and thus enhance hostel resident quality of life and well-being, considering what additional knowledge, skills, and support hostel staff need to achieve this. Methods In this qualitative study, we conducted inductive reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with health and social care practitioners (n = 17) and hostel staff and managers (n = 15). Participants were recruited from six homelessness hostels, one specialist care home, and National Health and Local Authority Services in England. Results We identified three main themes: (a) Emotional and psychoeducational support needs within hostel staff teams, including training on memory and cognitive problems, responsive behaviours, communication strategies, and reflective spaces for hostel staff to manage their emotional responses (b) Training and support needs to deliver a person-centred approach, including tools and support packages to enhance hostel residents’ independence, multidisciplinary meetings to evaluate hostel residents’ needs, and communication strategies tailored to hostel residents’ understanding and (c) Support to facilitate collaboration with external agencies, including training on professional language, capacity assessment, dementia case studies, improved communication skills to bring external services into hostels, and reflective practices to advocate for hostel residents with dual diagnoses. Conclusions The present study highlights how hostel staff could benefit from targeted training in emotional support, person-centred approaches for older hostel residents with memory and cognitive problems, and collaboration with external services. Overall, the current study contributes to understanding of the need for tailored training and support methods within hostels to provide higher quality support to a population that is frequently overlooked. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9ac4e65ecbb6463998bf423386b4e1a1 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1472-6963 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Health Services Research |
| spelling | doaj-art-9ac4e65ecbb6463998bf423386b4e1a12025-01-26T12:22:08ZengBMCBMC Health Services Research1472-69632025-01-0125111410.1186/s12913-025-12246-2What are the training and support needs for homelessness hostel staff supporting older residents with memory and cognitive problems? A qualitative studyLuna Zalc0Sophie N. Gaber1Penny Rapaport2Division of Psychiatry, University College LondonDivision of Psychiatry, University College LondonDivision of Psychiatry, University College LondonAbstract Background An increasing number of older people are experiencing homelessness and memory problems, many of whom are supported in temporary hostel accommodation. This can be a challenge for hostel staff who may not have adequate training and support but who often support those with significant memory impairment in their day-to-day work. The study aimed to investigate the training and support that hostel staff require to meet the needs of older hostel residents experiencing memory and cognitive problems, and thus enhance hostel resident quality of life and well-being, considering what additional knowledge, skills, and support hostel staff need to achieve this. Methods In this qualitative study, we conducted inductive reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with health and social care practitioners (n = 17) and hostel staff and managers (n = 15). Participants were recruited from six homelessness hostels, one specialist care home, and National Health and Local Authority Services in England. Results We identified three main themes: (a) Emotional and psychoeducational support needs within hostel staff teams, including training on memory and cognitive problems, responsive behaviours, communication strategies, and reflective spaces for hostel staff to manage their emotional responses (b) Training and support needs to deliver a person-centred approach, including tools and support packages to enhance hostel residents’ independence, multidisciplinary meetings to evaluate hostel residents’ needs, and communication strategies tailored to hostel residents’ understanding and (c) Support to facilitate collaboration with external agencies, including training on professional language, capacity assessment, dementia case studies, improved communication skills to bring external services into hostels, and reflective practices to advocate for hostel residents with dual diagnoses. Conclusions The present study highlights how hostel staff could benefit from targeted training in emotional support, person-centred approaches for older hostel residents with memory and cognitive problems, and collaboration with external services. Overall, the current study contributes to understanding of the need for tailored training and support methods within hostels to provide higher quality support to a population that is frequently overlooked.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12246-2Hostel staffMemory problemsCognitive problemsAgeingHomelessnessInclusion health |
| spellingShingle | Luna Zalc Sophie N. Gaber Penny Rapaport What are the training and support needs for homelessness hostel staff supporting older residents with memory and cognitive problems? A qualitative study BMC Health Services Research Hostel staff Memory problems Cognitive problems Ageing Homelessness Inclusion health |
| title | What are the training and support needs for homelessness hostel staff supporting older residents with memory and cognitive problems? A qualitative study |
| title_full | What are the training and support needs for homelessness hostel staff supporting older residents with memory and cognitive problems? A qualitative study |
| title_fullStr | What are the training and support needs for homelessness hostel staff supporting older residents with memory and cognitive problems? A qualitative study |
| title_full_unstemmed | What are the training and support needs for homelessness hostel staff supporting older residents with memory and cognitive problems? A qualitative study |
| title_short | What are the training and support needs for homelessness hostel staff supporting older residents with memory and cognitive problems? A qualitative study |
| title_sort | what are the training and support needs for homelessness hostel staff supporting older residents with memory and cognitive problems a qualitative study |
| topic | Hostel staff Memory problems Cognitive problems Ageing Homelessness Inclusion health |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12246-2 |
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