Homelessness and Health

Question 1

What is the definition of homelessness?

Answer 1

When a person does not have suitable accommodation alternatives they are considered homeless if their current living arrangement:
- Is in a dwelling that is inadequate
-Has no tenure, or if their initial tenure is short
and not extendable
-Does not allow them to have control of, and access to space for social relations

Question 2

Describe characteristics of the homeless population in Australia

Answer 2

• Large proportion of the homeless population were men with alcohol issues and other addictions
• Increasing number of women and children escaping domestic violence
• Children without caregivers
• 60% were female
• 17% children under 10
• 13% children aged 10-17

Question 3

What are issues that can contribute to homelessness?

Answer 3

• Adverse life events: child abuse, sexual abuse, domestic and family violence, being thrown out of home by parent/partner, divorce, death of partner
• Financial crisis: made redundant, repossession of home by bank, bankruptcy
• Shortage of available, affordable housing, discrimination
• Substance abuse
• Leaving institutions: exiting mental health facility or prison
• Severe/persistent mental illness
• Homeless as a child
• Gambling
• Family conflict, domestic violence, personal or parental drug and alcohol abuse, anxiety, depression

Question 4

What are the health issues of those who are homeless?

Answer 4

More susceptible to things “going around” due to overcrowding, reduced access to toilets, showers, hand washing facilities, compromised immune systems -Poor nutrition/sleep

• Poor dental health
• More exposed to violence and sexual exploitation
• Mental health issues
• Alcohol and drug use
• Injuries
• Skin infections and infestations
• Foot problems
• Poor mouth care
• Lack of complication with medications
• Blood borne viruses

Question 5

What are barriers to accessing support?

Answer 5

• Reluctance to seek help or treatment
• Shame: fear of disclosure
• Stigma: previous negative experiences with healthcare professionals and other people in positions of “authority”
• Lack of knowledge about where to go for help/support
• No ID or Medicare card
• CentreLink and medicate requires an address
• Transport to/from appointments

Question 6

What are strategies that can be implemented to end homelessness?

Answer 6

• More affordable housing

- Addressing underlying issues

Question 7

What are underlying issues that must be addressed?

Answer 7

• Mental health
• Relationship breakdown
• Domestic violence
• Employment
• Work skills
• Gambling
• Addiction
• Racism
• Discrimination