The Homeless Population, Essay Example

Population and Rationale for Choice

The homeless population faces extreme challenges that impact their overall quality of life and longevity in different areas. This reflects the importance of developing strategies to support this population, based upon health risks, environmental conditions, socioeconomic status, and demographic characteristics. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the dynamics of this population so that addressing their needs is successful and timely to prevent further hardships and complications. Homeless persons were selected for this discussion because they face numerous multilevel challenges that impact their health, socioeconomic status, and general wellbeing, and require a comprehensive network of care and support from a variety of community and health-based groups to ensure their health and quality of life at the desired level. The primary objective for this population is to remove them from homeless status and to ensure that they are effectively prepared to manage an independent lifestyle that includes housing, basic needs, and a steady income, among other variables.

Inclusion Criteria for Population Selection

Nurses must examine the homeless population with an open perspective because they represent a difficult set of conditions that require significant support and guidance at this level. Most importantly, nurses must possess a greater awareness of this population because they lack stability in their lives and possess significant physical, emotional, social, psychological, and economic needs (Stanley, 2013). This is a multi-step process that involves an expansion of efforts to support homeless persons and to consider their health and wellbeing as a critical priority (Stanley, 2013). The social aspects of homelessness must also be included in the discussion, as they often pose serious threats to their livelihood (Stanley, 2013).

Exclusion Criteria for Population Selection

The homeless population would exclude any persons who are living in a stable housing situation and who also obtain regular income which enables them to afford said housing. In addition, persons who have access to health services in some form and are not subject to poor environmental conditions would be excluded from consideration for further evaluation because they possess a level of stability that does not limit their housing situation.

Attributes for Selected Population

Homeless persons generally experience poor health status and lack access to healthcare services on a routine basis; in addition, they lack stable housing and a solid and steady income that enables them to afford basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter (Power & Hunter, 2001). Furthermore, they lack the knowledge and resources to achieve proper nutrition in a timely manner, thereby creating additional health risks that must be addressed (Power & Hunter, 2001). These findings suggest that this population requires a high level of attention and focus in order to evaluate their living conditions and health status and to be mindful of the sensitivity of their circumstances when developing health strategies that may impact their health in a positive manner (Power & Hunter, 2001).

Risk Factors and Environmental Hazards for Selected Population

Many homeless persons who live on the streets are exposed to poor living conditions during hot summers, harsh winters, and in other situations involving inclement weather. In addition, they may often experience other limitations that create environmental hazards that impact their quality of life, such as exposure to toxic smells, odors, and other elements. Therefore, they require support from the nursing community in improving their quality of life by evaluating their situations and in supporting a transition to a more stable lifestyle with housing, food, clothing and shelter that is readily accessible.

References

Power, R., & Hunter, G. (2001). Developing a strategy for community-based health promotion targeting homeless populations. Health Education Research, 16(5), 593-602.

Stanley, M.J. (2013). Teaching about vulnerable populations: nursing students’ experience in a homeless center. Journal of Nursing Education, 52(10), 585-588.