Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Discussion – Description
reply to Ariel:
One demographic that may necessitate support and assistance within diverse communities is individuals who are experiencing homelessness. Homelessness can potentially increase an individual’s vulnerability due to various factors, including the lack of secure housing, limited healthcare services, and social marginalization (“Vulnerable Populations,” 2006). There exist several significant attributes within this population that contribute to their susceptibility—first, insufficiency of stable housing. Homeless individuals frequently encounter a dearth of enduring housing options, resulting in their reliance on shelters, street dwellings, or precarious living arrangements. The absence of secure housing amplifies their susceptibility to various health hazards and constrains their ability to obtain regular healthcare (“Vulnerable Populations,” 2006). Second, limited access to healthcare is a prevalent issue experienced by homeless individuals, as they encounter various obstacles that hinder their ability to obtain necessary medical services. These barriers include financial constraints, lack of health insurance coverage, transportation challenges, and societal stigma. As mentioned earlier, the challenges pose significant obstacles to accessing essential medical care and preventive services, exacerbating their susceptibility to adverse health outcomes (Joszt, 2018). Third, co-occurring health conditions. Homeless individuals exhibit a high propensity for encountering simultaneous physical and mental health conditions, encompassing chronic ailments, substance use disorders, and mental health disorders. The coexistence of these health conditions amplifies their susceptibility and adds complexity to their healthcare requirements (“Vulnerable Populations,” 2006).
A notable factor contributing to the vulnerability of the homeless population is their limited trust in the healthcare system, which impacts their health practices and beliefs. Homeless individuals may tend to avoid seeking healthcare or hesitate to disclose their health concerns due to past adverse encounters or perceived scrutiny from healthcare providers. The presence of mistrust can impede the prompt availability of healthcare services and contribute to suboptimal health results (Morris, 2021).
As an advanced nursing practitioner (APN), one can employ various strategies to advocate for the homeless population locally, state, or nationally. Initially, at the local level, it is recommended to establish partnerships with homeless shelters, community health centers, and social service organizations to facilitate healthcare services and effectively address the unique needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. Conduct proactive outreach initiatives aimed at cultivating trust and fostering connections with individuals experiencing homelessness, thereby ensuring their awareness of the healthcare resources that are accessible to them (Morris, 2021). Moreover, at the state level, it is imperative to actively promote policies and allocate funding that effectively bolsters healthcare services specifically tailored to the homeless population’s needs. It is recommended that individuals become members or assist organizations that prioritize addressing homelessness and healthcare disparities. This involvement should include active participation in advocacy campaigns and engaging with policymakers to enhance public consciousness and facilitate constructive transformations (Bhatt & Bathija, 2019). Lastly, at the national level, engage in partnerships with prominent national organizations committed to tackling homelessness and healthcare disparities. Make a valuable contribution to advancing research, policy formulation, and establishing healthcare guidelines that specifically address the needs and challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Engage in conferences and professional organizations that center on the issue of homelessness and actively promote incorporating healthcare services within comprehensive systems designed to address homelessness (Marder, 2018).
In conclusion, individuals experiencing homelessness represent a vulnerable population that requires support and assistance within diverse communities. Their susceptibility is attributed to a lack of stable housing, limited access to healthcare, co-occurring health conditions, and a lack of trust in the healthcare system. As APNs, advocating for this population by engaging in local partnerships, promoting state-level policies and funding, and collaborating with national organizations. APNs can improve their health outcomes and foster a more equitable society by addressing the unique healthcare needs of the homeless population and actively advocating for their rights and access to care.
References
Bhatt, J., & Bathija, P. (2019). Ensuring access to quality health care in vulnerable communities. Academic Medicine, 93(9), 1271–1275. https://doi.org/10.1097/acm.0000000000002254
Joszt, L. (2018, July 20). 5 vulnerable populations in healthcare. AJMC. https://www.ajmc.com/view/5-vulnerable-populations…
Marder, K. (2018, August 3). Identifying vulnerable patients and why they matter. Health Catalyst. https://www.healthcatalyst.com/insights/identifyin…
Morris, G. (2021, December 9). NPs to admire: 10 role models improving the lives of vulnerable populations. NurseJournal. https://nursejournal.org/resources/nps-vulnerable-…
Vulnerable Populations: Who Are They? (2006, November 1). AJMC. https://www.ajmc.com/view/nov06-2390ps348-s352
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