Multidisciplinary assessment of applicants for sheltered housing

Three hundred applicants for sheltered housing underwent multidisciplinary geriatric assessment for suitability as a part of a joint assessment scheme with Local Authority Housing and Social Services Departments. Ninety-four applicants sought a move for health reasons while 206 applicants quoted housing and social reasons and denied medical problems. The assessment showed no significant disability necessitating sheltered housing facilities for 41 (44%) of the 94 people applying on health grounds. Severe disability made sheltered housing placement inappropriate for ten (10%) of the applicants with health problems. In the 206 applicants denying medical problems, the assessment revealed significant unreported physical illness in 46 (22%) and undiagnosed dementia in a further 26 (13%). Allocation of sheltered housing was affected in 99 (33%) of the 300 applicants. Eighty-two applicants were considered unsuitable, whereas 17 applicants originally thought to be unsuitable were recommended for sheltered housing. Multidisciplinary geriatric assessment is of considerable benefit in determining suitability of applicants for sheltered housing and will help in achieving better placement by avoiding inappropriate moves.