Specialist residential care for people experiencing homelessness and multiple disadvantage
About this study
This is the first study in England that focuses on specialist residential care for people who have been homeless and have related physical and cognitive frailty. Diverse facets of social exclusion, such as the effects of trauma and addiction, mean that providers in non-specialist care homes may refuse or struggle to accommodate them. A lack of specialist provision can lead to care needs being unmet and unacknowledged, leaving people in inappropriate accommodation, on the streets and cycling through emergency services, or unable to move on from hospital stays. The study aims to build an evidence base to support the development and provision of specialist services that reduce inequalities, address distinctive care needs and improve the lives of this population.
Funding
NIHR Research Programme for Social Care (RPSC): NIHR507146
Timescale
October 2026 – September 2028
Research question
What are the components, outcomes and costs of effective specialist residential care provision in England for people with experience of homelessness and multiple disadvantage?
Methods
This 24-month mixed-methods study includes: evidence reviews; case studies of four specialist care homes across England; the first application of two quality of life measures with residents and staff in this setting; and two economic analyses: of service level unit costs and of individual-level cost-consequence analysis. The study will be informed by lived experience and practitioner advisory groups.
Research team
Jess Harris (PI), Senior Research Fellow, HSCWRU, King’s College London.
Michelle Cornes (co-PI), Professor of Health and Social Policy Inequalities, University of Salford.
Stephen Martineau, Research Fellow, HSCWRU, King’s College London.
Karl Mason, Associate Professor of Social Work, Royal Holloway, University of London.
Ann-Marie Towers, Professor of Social Care Research and Deputy Director, HSCWRU, King’s College London.
Michela Tinelli, Associate Professorial Research Fellow, London School of Economics and Political Science.
Related projects at the Unit
Principal Investigators
Senior Research Fellow
University of Salford