Abstract

JACOBS, Leone  and  GEYER, Stephan. A resilience lens on homeless older persons in the City of Tshwane: an illumination through photovoice. Social work (Stellenbosch. Online) [online]. 2022, vol.58, n.4, pp.394-418. ISSN 2312-7198.  http://dx.doi.org/10.15270/58-4-1073.

This qualitative study explores and describes the resilience of homeless older persons in the City of Tshwane, South Africa. Eleven participants, recruited purposively, participated in photovoice activities supplemented with semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed through reflexive thematic analysis and trustworthiness was ensured. Findings indicate that conflict, abuse, family disappointment, unemployment, mental health challenges, declining mobility, isolation and a lack of access to services are risk factors hindering resilience. Religion, support and socialisation, amongst other things, are identified as protective factors enabling resilience. Recommendations for resilience-informed biopsychosocial gerontological social services to homeless older persons are offered to navigate towards better-than-expected outcomes.

Keywords : City of Tshwane; gerontological social services; homeless; late-life homelessness; older persons; photovoice; resilience.

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