The housing security afforded by later life housing circumstances of ex-service households of Queensland: a life course perspective

Abstract

This thesis investigates the relationship between service in the Defence Forces, outcomes of that service and later life housing outcomes of ex-service households. In particular, the research focuses on households eligible for Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) benefits and support because of the past service of a household member. The outcome of key interest is housing security, defined in this study as the independence, security and control afforded beneficiaries by their household and housing circumstances. The attainment of housing security in later life is of major importance in an ageing Australia as it supports ageing in place, or the desire to remain at home or in a familiar place, and provides a sense of wellbeing and belonging necessary for successful ageing (Australian Institute Health & Welfare, 2013; Boldy et al., 2013; Hulse and Saugeres, 2008). Without housing security households are at risk of more frequent residential relocation (Hulse & Saugeres, 2008; Parkinson, 2010), housing affordability problems and housing stress associated with the escalating costs of maintaining adequate housing as they age (Yates & Bradbury, 2009), and potentially, premature admission to expensive residential aged care settings (Faulkner & Bennett, 2002). Housing security is broader than tenure outcomes alone (Hulse, 2010; Parkinson, 2010; Wiley et al., 2011). The social, emotive and material circumstances and past experiences of the individual and household influence perception of independence, security and control at any point in time (Clapham, 2005; Parkinson, 2010). Central to the research design, consequently, is the historical timing and context of key life events in the linked lives of household members. The life course theoretical perspective underpins the analysis of how the early life employment in Defence and individual service outcomes impact on the later life outcomes of households. The circumstances of two broad cohorts are investigated based on the Defence service timing of ex-service personnel. The World War II (WWII) cohort that experienced a global event impacting both at home and abroad, and the post WWII cohort of ex-service personnel who served during times of more regional conflicts and hostilities with less engagement of the entire population. A cross sectional design with a postal survey method was employed to capture recent and past events and outcomes that influenced current household and housing circumstances, and the housing security afforded the household. The self-administered questionnaire was piloted with a convenience sample of beneficiaries. The research site was Queensland, as it was the state with the most ex-service households residing in rental housing (Department of Veteran’s Affairs, 2010). In the main study, a systematic random sample of DVA Total Beneficiaries data base of Queensland identified 3000 households for inclusion. One beneficiary from each household was invited to participate with a response rate of 25 per cent. A representative sample of 729 Queensland beneficiary households were analysed. Comparative analysis of the WWII and post WWII households reveals differences within the life domains of health, employment, income and relationships. These four life domains are heavily implicated in the attainment and maintenance of housing security (Elsinga et al, 2007; Hulse & Saugeres, 2008; Parkinson, 2010). The use of a purposively designed housing security scale to estimate the level of housing security afforded by housing circumstances provides the means of comparing between and within groups, service effects and other life domains. The majority of ex-service households are securely housed. This is demonstrated by their level of equity in their dwelling and land, and broader housing circumstances. Beneficiaries rate their circumstances as providing moderate to high housing security. While ranking of housing security is closely associated with the level of household equity in their housing, other factors intervene. A series of multiple regression analyses reveal which life course factors are significant predictors of housing security among all beneficiaries, the WWII and post WWII cohorts. The findings support conclusions of the European study of housing security and insecurity (Doling, 2003; Toussaint & Elsinga, 2007) that changes in health, relationships, employment and income impact on housing security and that housing security is broader than tenure alone (Hulse & Saugeres, 2008; Parkinson, 2010). This research provides new insight into the later life outcomes for ex-service households. It highlights the socio-economic outcomes of households, their housing outcomes and the housing security afforded individual beneficiaries. Of importance for policy makers and planners, is the persistent effect mental and physical health changes of ex-service personnel has on the cumulative socio-economic and housing outcomes of the ex-service household in later life. The use of the housing security scale enables comparison of the effect of different events and outcomes on the ranking given housing security and extends our understanding of housing security in later life. The scale provides the means of comparing different groups and circumstances. This research highlights the household and housing circumstances that can detract from the beneficiaries’ feelings of housing security.