OLDER ADULTS EXPERIENCING UNSHELTERED HOMELESSNESS IN LARGE URBAN CITY LACK BASIC RESOURCES
2024
Basic Needs of Homeless Older Adults
Sample size: 637
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Kogan Alexis Coulourides
Primary Institution: University of Southern California
Hypothesis
How do unsheltered homeless older adults in Los Angeles County meet their basic needs?
Conclusion
Older adults experiencing unsheltered homelessness face significant challenges in meeting their basic needs for food, water, hygiene, and healthcare.
Supporting Evidence
- 40.3% of those sampled were older adults.
- 79% of older adults had health insurance.
- 22% had a primary care provider.
- 22.3% lacked 24-hour bathroom access.
- 82% were forced to practice open defecation.
- 50% relied on purchased food.
- 40.6% relied on purchased drinking water.
Takeaway
Many older homeless people struggle to find food, water, and places to go to the bathroom, which makes it hard for them to stay healthy.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey using the HOUSED BEDS assessment was conducted over 24 months.
Participant Demographics
Most older adults were male (70%), Hispanic/Latino (46.6%), or Black/African American (25.6%).
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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