22 2.2.4 Care for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

Definition: individual without stable, safe, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate means and ability to acquire it

Homeless individuals admitted in LTC are often more medical complex with history of limited access to primary care, screening and prevention. Homeless persons are at heightened risk of premature frailty.

Common Geriatric Concerns in those with Homelessness:

• 40% of participants had difficulty performing 1 or more activities of daily living
• 33% reported one or more falls in the past 6 months
• 26% cognitively impaired
• 45% vision impairment
• 48 % urinary incontinence^[1][2][3][4]

Special concerns:

• Address physical illnesses, mental illnesses, and addictions
• Screen/Treat for communicable disease
• Recognizing and Treating Geriatric Needs:
  • Cognitive Impairment
  • Geriatric Care Essentials
  • Comprehensive Care Considerations:
  • Nutritional and swallowing issues
  • Foot care and wound management
  • Medication management