In addition, venous stasis of the lower extremities (i.e., poor circulation because of varicose veins) caused by prolonged periods of sitting or sleeping with the legs down predisposes homeless people to dependent edema (swelling of the feet and legs), cellulitis, and skin ulcerations.
Overall health is affected alongside the inability to receive foot care due to constant walking in poor weather conditions. In many instances it remains undetected thereby increasing foot related problems in people experiencing homelessness and ultimately affecting their quality of life.
A very typical health problem of homeless persons who sleep sitting up (as on a train or bus) instead of lying down is swollen legs. People are meant to sleep lying down; if they do not sleep lying down, swollen legs is one of the results. Edema, or fluid, builds up in the legs because of the lack of circulation.
As a result, people experiencing homelessness are at higher risk of developing chronic infections such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, and HIV. Without stable housing and healthcare people are also at higher risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
People who had experienced homelessness were more likely to report having a mental health condition or a long-term health condition, with depression, back pain or back problems, anxiety and asthma the most commonly reported long-term conditions.
Overall, the average life expectancy of homeless people is 42 to 52 years old. If assistance isn't available until someone reaches 65 years old, then he or she may be dead by then.
Homeless people are at relatively high risk for a broad range of acute and chronic illnesses.
Skin problems are the main reason the homeless seek medical attention, and these commonly include scabies, pediculosis, tinea infections, and impetigo. Many foot disorders are more prevalent in the homeless including ulcers, cellulitis, erysipelas, and gas gangrene.
Swelling in the ankles, feet and legs is often caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas, called oedema. Oedema is usually caused by: standing or sitting in the same position for too long. eating too much salty food. being overweight.
People who sleep rough walk between 10 and 15 miles every day, worldwide studies show. Every day they will pick up their beds and trudge mile after mile. Often, it's to avoid abuse or perhaps boredom or because they are moved on by authorities.
Why Socks? Socks are the item of clothing most needed in homeless shelters. They're also the least donated. New socks contribute to better mobility and minimize the possibility of frostbite and reduce the risk of cellulitis, impetigo, fungal infection, trench foot, and skin breakdown.
Life on the streets can be a demeaning, humiliating and, at times, dehumanizing experience. Clearly, living without material comforts is only one part of the plight. The mental struggle caused by isolation and abuse is often an even more difficult burden to bear.
Factors that increase homeless people's risk for acute and chron- ic wounds include communal bathing and eating, lack of facilities for washing and toileting, unsafe and unsanitary shelters, exposure to crime and trauma, inadequate nutrition, no place for bed rest, no place to store medications, excessive smoking and ...
Concrete is cleaner. Sleeping on grassy areas would make one dirty much faster and more muddy, than sleeping on the concrete. In other words, one is able to stay cleaner, for longer, requiring less personal maintenance, by sleeping on the concrete, than by sleeping in grassy areas.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows homelessness is surging. New figures show nearly 123,000 people were without a home on Census night 2021 - around 6,000 more than at the previous count in 2016. It represents a 5.2 per cent lift in homelessness over five years.
People who are homeless may also live with depression, which can prevent them from feeling motivated to seek healthcare. Additionally, the stigma that surrounds homelessness can make them unwilling to present in a traditional healthcare setting.
Homelessness can be caused by poverty, unemployment or by a shortage of affordable housing, or it can be triggered by family breakdown, mental illness, sexual assault, addiction, financial difficulty, gambling or social isolation. Domestic violence is the single biggest cause of homelessness in Australia.
The median age of the homeless increased from 37 to 46 over the study waves, at a rate of 0.66 years per calendar year (P < 0.01). The median total time homeless increased from 12 to 39.5 months (P < 0.01). Emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and chronic health conditions increased.
To help them endure rainy, cold weather, people experiencing homelessness depend on donations of winter coats, warm hats and gloves, socks and blankets. Warm, nutritious meals are also crucial for those in need to help combat the negative effects of cold weather.
Life on the streets is dangerous. Individuals often develop mental health issues like fear, anxiety, depression, isolation and PTSD after becoming homeless. Living on the streets and not knowing where your next meal is coming from can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
You can say hello, ask how someone is or what plans they have for the day. The same rules apply to striking up a conversation with any stranger, just be friendly and respectful and be wary of overstepping any boundaries. Many people will strike up a conversation, others might not want to talk.
Poverty. On a global scale, poverty is one of the most significant root causes of homelessness. Stagnant wages, unemployment, and high housing and healthcare costs all play into poverty. Being unable to afford essentials like housing, food, education, and more greatly increases a person's or family's risk.
Acknowledge them.
Treat them as a human being by making eye contact and saying hello. If the situation is safe, take a little extra time to engage in conversation. Taking time to talk to a homeless person in a friendly, respectful manner can give them a sense of civility and dignity.