The homeless population is a vulnerable group often forgotten by the healthcare community for many reasons. In many cases, they simply do not have access to healthcare, while in others they do not seek it out. The lack of resources within the homeless community has led to a buildup of health issues that affect the homeless. While Hwang and Burns (2016) touch on many different issues impact the homeless population in their article, one of the primary problems facing this group is mental illness and the lack of resources to help them.
In some cases, it is believes mental illness leads a person to homelessness, indicating there are poor resources prior to the individual becoming a part of this vulnerable group. The illness is only exacerbated after experiencing the stress of homelessness and lack of what little healthcare could be procured before being homeless . In other cases, it is thought that mental illness, often developing subsequently with substance abuse problems occur after homelessness occurs . The homeless community is at a disadvantage already concerning finding proper and affordable healthcare resources. Those who suffer from mental illnesses and substance abuse or addiction are at a further disadvantage based on their mental state. Interventions based on these issues are needed not only for the safety of the vulnerable population and those around them, but also to help shrink the homeless population.
A public health nurse could instigate several different intervention plans. One of which could be a housing intervention plan. Homeless individuals who have caseworkers are any sort of management may have access to this without knowing it and if the intervention is set in motion, stability of a home, preferably near public health services may increase the likelihood they will experience positive results concerning their mental health issues, as well as substance abuse issues. A public health nurse could also instigate an ACCESS intervention, or access to community care and effective service and supports . The intervention demands the vulnerable population have access to specific programs that will help their specific problem or range of problems based on integration through the healthcare system, as well as programs such as ACT and Medicare expansion. It is likely that many individuals within the population would experience positive results with their various problems in relation to this intervention, and could begin taking positive steps to rebuild their lives.
The strain on resources would be significant, regardless of what intervention plan is chosen. However, it is important to be understanding of social and barriers when attempting to help a vulnerable population. Society has created a healthcare system that is inaccessible to many, even before they become a part of such a vulnerable group. The impoverished, even when they have their homes, are considered vulnerable, and often do not have adequate access to healthcare. This can lead to homelessness. Many believe homelessness is a lifestyle choice and look down on these individuals. In some ways, this can be arguably true. If an individual becomes homeless based on a gambling addiction or alcoholism without attempting first to get help it can be considered a choice. It is especially considered a choice if the individual has the means to get help. However, if the individual was a part of a vulnerable group already, it cannot be considered as such. Essentially, nobody makes the choice to be homeless and without healthcare willingly; though it puts a strain on resources, it is important to have empathy and fix the problem, rather than look down on it.
References
Hwang, S. W., & Burns, T. (2014). Health interventions for people who are homeless. The Lancet, 1541-1547.
