HEALTH CARE GUIDELINES FOR THE HOMELESS
In a world where people are faced with difficulties in meeting their essential needs, the homeless are more likely to have health related issues.
People who can not provide a shade over their head from cold and heat from sun are prone to have a lot of health problems.
That’s why in this article, we will be looking at some health related issues for the homeless as well as health care guidelines for the homeless.
What Is Health Care?
Health care is the umbrella term for all the various types of care and services that people use to maintain their health. It includes everything from preventive measures to necessary treatments and surgeries.
The homeless population often struggles to access quality health care. This can be due to a number of factors, such as a lack of insurance, difficulty finding transportation, or not having a regular doctor.
However, there are some measures which when put in place, would help in tackling the health states of the homeless.
Meanwhile, let’s look at some of the health problems for the homeless.
Health Problems For The Homeless
There are a number of health problems that can plague the homeless population.
Poor nutrition, lack of access to medical care, and exposure to the elements can all lead to a host of health issues.
Some of the most common health problems faced by homeless people include respiratory problems, skin diseases, gastrointestinal problems, mental health problems to mention a few.
Without proper care, these conditions can quickly become life-threatening.
That’s why it’s important for those working with the homeless population to be aware of the potential health risks and have a plan in place to address them.
Health Care Guidelines For The Homeless
While health care can be a challenge for homeless people to access, they may not have a regular doctor or health insurance, and may have difficulty getting to appointments.
With all of that, we still say that the homeless are not hopeless because there are some health care resources available specifically for homeless people.
The National Health Care for the Homeless Council provides guidelines on how to best provide care for this population.
They recommend a “continuum of care” approach, which includes everything from preventive care to emergency services.
In preventive care, preventive measures such as checkups, screenings and conduction of immunizations plus provision of shelters and food are expected to be implemented.
In Emergency cases, usually, urgent health care services mostly involving transportation (i.e ambulance) are required to help victims especially the homeless in this case, to get timely medical attention.
There are many programs and organizations that offer free or reduced-cost health care services to homeless people. Most of which include community health centers, faith-based organizations, and government programs like Medicaid.
Some organizations can help with transportation or housing, while others provide the necessary medical treatment for affected health conditions.
If you are homeless or know someone who is, take advantage of these resources to help improve your health and wellbeing.
Conclusion
By providing basic medical care and linking people to resources like shelters and food pantries, we can help improve the overall health of the homeless population and make a real difference in their lives.
