Health and Homelessness

Question 1

what is the councils criteria for homelessness?

Answer 1

• Has no accommodation that they can reasonable occupy.
• Cannot gain access to their accommodation or risk domestic violence by living their.
• Accommodation which is unreasonable, overcrowded or risk to health.
• Likely to become homeless in within 2 months

Question 2

Why do people become homeless?

Answer 2

Societal issues. Personal factors/Vulnerabilities and housing factors.

Question 3

Describe some of the societal issues

Answer 3

Lack of affordable housing, lack of jobs, inadequate levels of welfare and disability payments, racial discrimination and economic downturn.

Question 4

Describe the personal factors that lead to homelessness?

Answer 4

Childhood family environment, history of institutional living, domestic/sexual abuse, relationship breakdowns, mental illness, substance misuse and learning disabilities.

Question 5

What are some of the housing factors that lead to homelessness

Answer 5

Rent or mortgage arrears, impending eviction, tenure insecurity, history of neighbour complaints, previous homelessness and housing unable to adapt to needs.

Question 6

Who are high risk groups for homelessness?

Answer 6

Single young males, adults between 18-25, people leaving institutional settings, victims of domestic abuse and family breakups.

Question 7

What is the impact of homelessness on health

Answer 7

It shortens their life expectancy dramatically, sometimes by at least 30 years

Question 8

What is inclusion health?

Answer 8

It is a service that that aims to prevent and redress health and social inequities among the most vulnerable and excluded populations.

Question 9

What is the slope index of inequality?

Answer 9

A measure of inequality in society

Question 10

What are some barriers in access to health care

Answer 10

• NHS administration (need for permanent address to register).
• Staff attitudes.
• Aggressive behaviour from substance misuse.
• Location and timing of appointments
• Problem of dual diagnosis referral patterns.
• Temp accommodation

Question 11

What are some methods of service delivery?

Answer 11

Dedicated GP/Dental practices.

• Dedicated health visitors.
• Specialised mental health/drug/alcohol staff.
• Mainstreamed service.
• One-stop shop at homeless venues

Question 12

What is the inverse care law

Answer 12

That those who need healthcare least use services more and than those with the greatest need.

Question 13

What are some proposed ways to preventing homelessness?

Answer 13

Introduction of NHS outreach services, employment, registered social landlords, education and skills and family nurturing.