CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION. Chronic diabetes. sickle cell anemia. O treatment, such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, hypertension, addictive …
CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION
Chronic medically ill homeless adults that were hospitalized at one of the
three partner hospitals were eligible to receive services from the Chicago
Housing for Health Partnership when the following criteria were met:
1 Homeless - no source of stable housing for the last one month
2 Had at least one chronic medical condition that normally increase the
morbidity and mortality among homeless individuals or in the general
population:
HIV/AIDS infection
renal disease
liver disease
history of arrhythmia
congestive heart failure
cancer
coronary artery disease
severe asthma
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease emphysema
cerebrovascular disease stroke
seizure disorders
diabetes
sickle cell anemia
O
The objectives of the Partnership related to the health, well-being, and
housing status of the chronically ill homeless, as well as to the
associated costs of services
OUTCOMES
Benefits to the Chronically ILL Homeless:
Housing stability for at least one year
Increased quality of life indicators
Increased social
stability and social support
Benefits to Health Care and Service Providers:
Decreased use of inpatient medical services
Decreased use of emergency room care
Decreased use of nursing homes
Decreased medical care costs
Benefits to Everyone:
Increased adherence to medical recovery plans
Increased adherence to service/treatment plans
Rates of both chronic and acute health problems are extremely high
among the homeless population With the exception of obesity, strokes
and cancer, homeless people are far more likely to suffer from every
category of chronic health problem Conditions that require regular,
uninterrupted treatment, such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, diabetes,
hypertension, addictive disorders, and mental disorders, are extremely
difficult to treat or control among those without adequate housing
Many homeless people have multiple health problems For example,
frostbite, leg ulcers and upper respiratory infections are frequent,
often the direct result of homelessness Homeless people are also at
greater risk of
trauma resulting from muggings, beatings and rape
Homelessness precludes good nutrition, good personal hygiene, and
basic first aid, adding to the complex health needs of homeless
people
Housing is the first form of treatment for homeless people with
medical problems, preventing many illnesses and making it possible for
those who remain ill to recover
The National Coalition for the Homeless -, June 1999
Source:users.ipfw.edu
