Adult homelessness creates challenges for homeless people, their families, and those who serve them. A primary burden is experienced by people without homes. A secondary burden is experienced by adult relatives of homeless adults. This study examines the experiences and burdens of families where one relative is homeless. It is hoped that it will help improve health care access for people with low income. This study contacts relatives of homeless adults in an urban region, assessing the secondary effects of homelessness, including family burden, social support, and use of health and social services. Our analysis compares family burden and social support experienced by relatives of people who are homeless and who cope with different health conditions. We also present on different assessments of disabilities affecting homeless people from family members and providers. These variables are hypothesized to affect access to care and quality of care and family life. See gwbweb.wustl.edu/Users/cmhsr/pilots/stayconnect.html
Learning Objectives: 1. To identify and evaluate social work practice and research on adult homelessness. 2. To articulate and apply perspectives from family members and health consumers. 3. To understand the relationships between family burden, social support, and access to health care.
Keywords: Homelessness, Family/Consumer Perspective
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.