Release Date
Language of Resource
Full Text Available
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
Peer Reviewed
Objective
This article explores innovative practices and policies around decriminalisation, harm reduction and housing for older people who use drugs and other substances and have histories of homelessness and trauma. Drawing on qualitative interviews and observations undertaken in Vancouver as part of a larger, multi-city study on age-friendly cities and equity, this article analyses the shifting ground of social control in the lives of this marginalised and highly vulnerable group of people. Furthermore, the article reflects on policies and practices that social workers might advocate for.
Findings/Key points
The strongest themes in the data include: (1) meeting people where they are (including removing and reducing barriers, the recognition of service users as social beings, and safer use and specialised services); (2) ageing in place; and (3) kind community.
The findings and analysis provide a glimpse into some of the ways that these practices, services and policies have improved the well-being of older people who use/used illegal drugs and have reduced the social control exerted on them. The analysis has confirmed the importance of the decriminalisation of unregulated, psychoactive drugs, the production of safe supply, the availability of safe and safe-use sites, and the provision of supportive housing and food security.
Design/methods
This comprehensive analysis draws on recent case-study data, discusses theories of crisis and reviews new narratives, policies and practice strategies.
