This book examines the processes by which older people make housing decisions and the impact such decisions have on the construction of their lives. Evidence is included from a major three-year research study, where older people told stories of their lives. The authors argue that housing decisions are not necessarily the result of rational, analytical and objective thinking. The contribution of other ways of decision-making is often hidden, as when people think intuitively, act impulsively, or for essentially emotional reasons.

'This book will clearly be important to housing providers and policy makers, as well as those interested in the intricacies of participatory research. There is a wider audience too as most of us will be facing these stark choices ourselves sooner or later, so we might want to exert a bit of influence now!' - Terry Allen, Social Policy

Autorentext
ROGER CLOUGH is Emeritus Professor of Social Care at Lancaster University, UK. Now an independent researcher, he has written extensively on ageing, residential homes, inspection and abuse. His previous publications include The Practice of Residential Work .

MARY LEAMY is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Teesside, UK

VINCE MILLER is Lecturer in Sociology, University of Kent, UK

LES BRIGHT has worked for voluntary organisations and social services. He is now an independent consultant specialising in older people's issues.

All four authors (with L Brooks) have written Homing in on Housing .

Inhalt
Introduction Houses and People: The Construction of Living Arrangements Telling Older People's Housing Stories Housing Decisions in Later Life Understanding Housing Decisions Attachments to Home Worried Lives The 'Looking Glass Self' Preferences in Living Arrangements Theory, Policy and Practice Appendices: 1 Interview Schedule; 2 Questionnaire; 3 'Letter to the editor' requesting written housing stories; 4 Circulation list for press release for written housing stories References