Growing Old Without a Home - Australia’s Hidden Housing Crisis with Natasha Debsieh
In this important episode of Community Matters, Nicky is joined by Natasha Debsieh, Manager of Age Matters, an IRT Group initiative that supports older people across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla who are experiencing housing insecurity, social isolation and barriers to accessing the support they need.
Drawing on her extensive experience working alongside some of the region's most vulnerable older people, Natasha shares the realities many face as they navigate housing insecurity, homelessness and the increasingly complex aged care system. Nicky and Natasha explore the uncomfortable fact that the fastest rate of growing homelessness in our region is for older people and particularly older women.
Natasha discusses the growing challenges for older Australians trying to access suitable housing and remain safely in their homes, and why stable, suitable housing is such a key foundation for living well later in life.
“We are there to assist the amazing people that we work with to apply for, to access and to go through the journey of My Aged Care” explains Natasha.
With compassion and honesty, Natasha reflects on the barriers older people encounter when accessing services, navigating the complexities of the My Aged Care system, lengthy waiting times, the limitations of phone-based assessments and the increasing prevalence of hoarding and squalor which Natasha describes as “a wicked problem”. She highlights the importance of person-centred support, helping people through times of crisis, and the vital role collaboration plays in helping individuals overcome barriers and access the services they need.
The conversation also explores the work of Age Matters and its broader initiatives, demonstrating how community organisations can work together to support older people to remain safe, connected and independent for longer. Natasha shares stories of resilience and hope that show how the right support, at the right time, can make a lasting difference and how using a “housing first” approach can result in positive differences.
This is sensitive discussion about the important work that Natasha and the Age Matters team (“inspiring, relentless, persistent” is how Natasha describes the team) are doing to support dignity, housing, ageing and the power of community, reminding us that every older Australian deserves the opportunity to age safely, with the support and stability they need to thrive. When people feel safe, stable and supported they are able to live quality lives and in turn contribute to their community.
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