Health Care for Aging Individuals Experiencing Chronic Homelessness
Author Information
Author(s): Berg Russell
Primary Institution: Harborview Medical Center UW Medicine
Hypothesis
Can hotel shelters with embedded medical services reduce unnecessary healthcare utilization for aging individuals experiencing chronic homelessness?
Conclusion
Hotel shelters with embedded medical services can effectively serve as a 'medical home' for aging individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, improving their healthcare access and outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- Hotel shelters can provide a setting for patient-centered palliative care.
- Embedded medical services can help diagnose conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
- The hotel shelter model can reduce unnecessary service utilization.
Takeaway
This study shows that providing medical care in hotel shelters can help older homeless people get the help they need without going to the hospital all the time.
Methodology
Case study approach focusing on individuals in a low barrier, harm reduction hotel shelter.
Potential Biases
Potential biases related to case selection and reporting.
Limitations
The study may not be generalizable to all homeless populations or settings.
Participant Demographics
Late baby boomers experiencing chronic homelessness, many with mental health and substance use disorders.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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