Article

Homelessness prematurely ages people. A large subgroup of formerly
homeless adults between ages 40 and 64 yr have health conditions similar to or
worse than people categorized as elderly. Little is known about the impact of
this group's chronic health conditions on their ability to safely function in
supportive housing. METHOD: Home safety visits were carried out with 25 formerly
homeless adults, ages 40-64 yr, now residing in supportive housing. RESULTS:
Participants had physical, cognitive, and mental health problems that
significantly interfered with their ability to perform daily life skills, safely
function in an apartment, and manage chronic health conditions. Home safety
hazards included cluttered walking paths, the presence of steps, and the lack of
grab bars and nonskid flooring. CONCLUSION: The homeless population would benefit
from aging specialists, such as occupational therapists, who could help people to
maintain and function more safely in their homes.
Without such services, this
population may be at risk for home safety events leading to hospitalization and mortality.
CI - Copyright (c) 2018 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.

Langue : ANGLAIS