...Homeless Veterans a Vulnerable Population Vulnerable populations are often used to characterize groups whose needs are not fully addressed by traditional service providers (Blue-Howells, J., McGuire, J., & Nakashima, J., 2008). These people believe they cannot comfortably or safely access and use the standard resources offered. They include physical or mental disabilities, limited or non-English speaking, geographic or cultural isolation, medical or chemical dependent, homeless, frail/elderly and children. Homeless veterans are examples of a vulnerable population. In this paper, the demographics and the present state of homeless veterans will be explored. Learning that veterans are considered part of a vulnerable population was not necessarily surprising given the physical and mental condition along with advanced age of many veterans. However, what is alarming is there are far too many veterans who are homeless. What makes this knowledge alarming is most Americans including myself believe veterans should be living a healthy and successful life as compensation for their sacrifice for our country (Wills, 2008). Many people in the United States think the needs of veterans are the responsibility of the government (Wills, 2008). In an ideal situation, the federal government would provide veterans with access to employment, housing, retirement or a pension, and free health care. These services are needed because of many health risks, physical or mental placed upon soldiers...
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...Homeless Veterans a Vulnerable Population Vulnerable populations are often used to characterize groups whose needs are not fully addressed by traditional service providers (Blue-Howells, J., McGuire, J., & Nakashima, J., 2008). These people believe they cannot comfortably or safely access and use the standard resources offered. They include physical or mental disabilities, limited or non-English speaking, geographic or cultural isolation, medical or chemical dependent, homeless, frail/elderly and children. Homeless veterans are examples of a vulnerable population. In this paper, the demographics and the present state of homeless veterans will be explored. Learning that veterans are considered part of a vulnerable population was not necessarily surprising given the physical and mental condition along with advanced age of many veterans. However, what is alarming is there are far too many veterans who are homeless. What makes this knowledge alarming is most Americans including myself believe veterans should be living a healthy and successful life as compensation for their sacrifice for our country (Wills, 2008). Many people in the United States think the needs of veterans are the responsibility of the government (Wills, 2008). In an ideal situation, the federal government would provide veterans with access to employment, housing, retirement or a pension, and free health care. These services are needed because of many health risks, physical or mental placed upon soldiers...
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...Vulnerable Populations Homeless Persons Margaret A. Stewart BSHS 302 July 18, 2011 Karen Miner Abstract Most Americans have heard the term hobo, which is defined as a vagrant or transient among other definitions. The term is well known because a large number of Americans have been named such who lived on the streets, or “skid rows” of this country. Homeless individuals have existed throughout history; however, more recently, a larger number and many categories of homeless individuals occur. In this paper the subject to examine is the history of homeless persons in America, the nature of the social problems and issues experienced by the homeless, demography of the homeless, common clinical issues and intervention strategies, and a discussion of future interventions. Vulnerable Populations Homeless Persons Homelessness has been a phenomenon in America beginning in the late 1700s according to author Kenneth Kusmer. “Kusmer begins with an examination of homelessness from the late seventeenth century through the early nineteenth century. Although the number of homeless fluctuated somewhat in this period (rising in the late eighteenth century and in the 1820s), concern about the homeless was not widespread. The homeless were also largely an urban phenomenon; rural residents rarely encountered homeless persons. The Civil War introduced soldiers to railroad travel and to foraging, and after the war, some veterans continued...
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...The Homeless as a Vulnerable Population Sara Williams Nur/440 9-5-2011 University of Phoenix The Homeless as a vulnerable population This article discusses a framework for understanding the nature of the homeless population. It discusses four pathways, increased heat waves, and increased air pollution, increases severity of floods and storms, and it also talks about the distribution of the West Nile Virus. The article discusses why the homeless are amongst the most vulnerable groups to be affect by these changes. The homeless are more likely to have a poorly controlled chronic disease, smoking, respiratory conditions, and mental illness, all of which render them vulnerable to new and resurgent disease processes associated with climate change. How would you define vulnerable population Vulnerable populations are those at risk for developing health problems. Someone with poor physical, psychological, or social health. The homeless population is a social group that is vulnerable because the homeless are at increased risk for poor health outcomes. Understanding the nature of homelessness and the relationship between resource availability, relative risks, and health status is critical for nurses to diagnose and treat health-related problems in this vulnerable population (Strehlow & Amos-Jones, 1999). What Barriers may prevent these groups from obtaining needed services The homeless population do not have the resources to get what they need to stay healthy. They...
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...Vulnerable Populations Vulnerable populations are social groups who experience health disparities as a result of a lack of resources and risk factors. In this paper the vulnerable group of the homeless will be discussed. The homeless population has many barriers that make obtaining healthcare a challenge. This paper will discuss the barriers and personal experiences with this demographic group. Vulnerable Population Definition Vulnerability and vulnerable populations are significant issues in today's health care system. Vulnerable populations are social groups who experience health disparities as a result of a lack of resources and increased exposure to risk. Vulnerable populations are those who are made vulnerable by their financial circumstances or place of residence, health, age, personal characteristics, functional or developmental status, mental or physical status (Goliath on Demand, 2011). The homeless is one of the many vulnerable population groups and is a very problematic issue currently. Barriers of the Homeless There are many barriers of the homeless however the one that stands out is the lack of access to health care. Many of the homeless live on the streets in dirty, filthy conditions which put them are risk for illness. They do not have the finical means or insurance to access preventive or acute care if needed. Many have chronic illness that go untreated and exacerbate and even cause death. Fear, embarrassment and mental disorders also can...
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...Vulnerable Populations Jennifer Maas NUR/440 August 11, 2011 Marie Fagan MN, RN Vulnerable Populations Vulnerable populations are social groups who experience health disparities as a result of a lack of resources and risk factors. In this paper the vulnerable group of the homeless will be discussed. The homeless population has many barriers that make obtaining healthcare a challenge. This paper will discuss the barriers and personal experiences with this demographic group. Vulnerable Population Definition Vulnerability and vulnerable populations are significant issues in today's health care system. Vulnerable populations are social groups who experience health disparities as a result of a lack of resources and increased exposure to risk. Vulnerable populations are those who are made vulnerable by their financial circumstances or place of residence, health, age, personal characteristics, functional or developmental status, mental or physical status (Goliath on Demand, 2011). The homeless is one of the many vulnerable population groups and is a very problematic issue currently. Barriers of the Homeless There are many barriers of the homeless however the one that stands out is the lack of access to health care. Many of the homeless live on the streets in dirty, filthy conditions which put them are risk for illness. They do not have the finical means or insurance to access preventive or acute care if...
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...Vulnerable Populations University of Phoenix Health Assessment and Promotion for Vulnerable Populations 440 Carol Bafaloukos July 04, 2012 Vulnerable Populations Vulnerable populations are populations that are at risk of acquiring diseases because of their economic status, comorbidities, religious preferences, ethnicity, age and gender. They have little or no support system or service to provide them with help Current efforts to cut down on Medicare, Medicaid and other federal funded programs will make it difficult for our vulnerable population to obtain needed healthcare. It is estimated that 1.56 million people in the United States have been homeless at one point or another. Homeless population is susceptible to poor health and living on the streets with no running water and poor living conditions makes this population at higher risk for communicable diseases. To help the homeless population we need to look at what barriers this vulnerable population may have to prevent them from seeking medical care. Barriers The barriers that the homeless population may have preventing them from seeking help or services are many. It’s a constant struggle for the homeless to find a safe place or shelter to sleep in and food. The homeless are not concerned with their health when their primary instinct is to stay alive. This population tends to put his or her own health needs on the back burner, leaving his or her illness or injuries untreated, which could lead to further complications...
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...Epidemiology and Vulnerable Populations Angela Wilson NUR / 408 November 4, 2013 Epidemiology and Vulnerable Populations Introduction Health is a state of optimum well-being, a human right and a social goal. The public health mission is to provide and assure conditions that promote health in the community. Public health, epidemiology and nursing practice share the same goal of disease prevention and control. By definition, epidemiology is the study of population in order to monitor the health of the population, understand the determinants of health and disease in the community, and investigate and evaluate interventions to prevent disease and maintain health. (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2012). Epidemiology today is considered to be the core science of public health and is described as a constellation of disciplines with a common mission: optimal health for the whole community (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2008). Epidemiology has reformed public health and continues to strive for disease prevention and health promotion in communities across the world. The population and disease...
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...Epidemiology and Vulnerable Population NUR/408 January 14, 2013 Theresa White Epidemiology and Vulnerable Population This paper will define epidemiology and vulnerable population. The methods and steps involved in the epidemiology process will be discussed. The diseases of a specific vulnerable population and emphasis of one disease will be examined with cultural, ethical, and legal considerations. The epidemiology triangle is explained and evaluating the feasibility of prevention will be explored with definitive steps for prevention. Epidemiology and Vulnerable Population Stanhope and Lancaster (2012) states “epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related events in human populations and the application of this knowledge to improving the health of communities (p. 282). In many communities there populations at risk for to specific health care problems creating a vulnerable population. “Vulnerability is a general concept meaning “susceptibility,” and its specific connotation in terms of health care is at risk for health problems” (De Chesney, 2008, p. 3). As Stanhope and Lancaster (2012) identify “epidemiology is a multidisciplinary enterprise that recognizes the complex interrelationships of factors that influence disease and health at both the individual level and the community level; it provides the basic tools for the study of health and disease in communities” (p. 282). In every community there are vulnerable populations as this...
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...Epidemiology, Tuberculosis, and the Homeless Population Rebecca J Buck NUR 408 July 29, 2013 Felita Patterson Epidemiology, Tuberculosis, and the Homeless Population Among many misconceptions, tuberculosis is not a disease of the past. Tuberculosis remains a public health issue. It is estimated that one-third of the total world population is infected by tuberculosis (TB). The American lung association (2013) states, in 2011 alone there were nearly 9,000,000 new diagnosed cases of tuberculosis around the world and an estimated 1.4 million deaths because of this disease. In the United States, TB is not as common (but still a problem). In 2011, only 10,500 people reported having TB (Trends in Tuberculosis Morbidity and Mortality). Research shows that there are many preceding factors that predispose a person and increase the risk of contracting TB. Epidemiologists have studied and determined that many of these preceding factors are evident in vulnerable populations around the world, particularly the homeless population. The science Daily (2013) reports that “one in five homeless people with tuberculosis die within a year of their diagnosis” (Death Rate from Tuberculosis in Homeless Alarmingly High). In addition to the high death rate for TB among homeless people, public health officials also recognize a growing threat of drug resistant strains within these vulnerable populations. Theses drug resistant strains of tuberculosis require longer, more consistent treatments...
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...Vulnerable Populations A vulnerable population is one that is a minority group that I would consider to be at risk, set apart from others with social, economic status and prejudices. There are many different and diverse vulnerable populations in the world. People who are less likely to have access to quality healthcare would be included in a vulnerable population. There are many men, women and children that for whatever reason are homeless and do not have access to healthcare. According to Rabiner & Weiner (2012), “Lack of housing plays a significant role in health, with homeless people suffering from a disproportionately high rate of poor health outcomes” (p. 587, para. 4). Many homeless individuals suffer from a disability, mental illness or a chronic disease. The inability to regularly afford healthy food choices for those with chronic disease put the homeless more at risk for poor health outcomes. The lack of proper shelter put the homeless at risk for disease and sickness caused by exposure to the elements. There are many barriers that the homeless face in obtaining the services needed to provide quality health care. The lack of a stable address is a barrier to those who qualify for monetary assistance because they cannot receive funds if they do not have an address to receive the funds. Homeless families and individuals who have been fortunate to participate in medical assistance programs are not able to afford the “co-payments” needed to purchase their...
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...Vulnerable Population The number of homeless is difficult to ascertain because estimates vary depending on the methodology used. Numbers also vary substantially depending on whether a measurement is taken on a single night or is inferred to a given year. In 2009, .Los Angeles, California was the state in the United States with the highest recorded percentage of homeless people making it a place with relatively large vulnerable populations http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/526/homeless-facts.html. These homeless people ranged from all ages from very young children to the elderly. In the period of one year, it was recorded that Los Angeles records had approximately 254,000 homeless people. When the statistics are looked at per night, they show that 82,000 people are homeless every night. Today I will give a description of the potential financial impact on this vulnerable population, the impact of changes among this population as it relates to demographics and socioeconomic status, and the impact the homeless has on the health care delivery system in the United States. I will also analyze the issues and challenges of this homeless population, offer some potential solutions to address the needs of this population and evaluate the overall risk to the U.S health care system if their rates continue to rise over 2-3% over the next 5 years as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 is enacted. The recession will force 1.5 million more people...
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...Homeless Veterans in America Name Institution Part 1 Statistics show that there are between 130,000 and 200,000 homeless veterans in America. Homeless veterans amount to about one-fourth and one-fifth of the entire homeless population in America. Homeless veterans are a population of Americans who have at one time or the other served their country in war. An estimated 131,000 veterans spend a night homeless, and this population doubles if one considers the population of homeless veterans over the course of the year. An approximate of 40% homeless men are veterans that are a significant considering 34% of the general adult male population is composed of veterans. Besides being homeless, this population faces other problems which include; social, economic, and psychological problems (Alker, 2009). Homeless veterans are more likely to suffer addiction as compared to the general population. According to Alker (2009), 76% of homeless veterans are alcohol or drug addicts. Because of the painful memories and the new reality of homelessness that dawn on them they turn to alcohol and drugs. Coupled with all the problems these homeless veterans experience social problems such as isolation. For this reason, they have no one to share their pains with and, therefore, they rarely receive help for treatable conditions such as addiction (Center for American Progress, 2008). Economic stressors are a root cause of homelessness for American veterans. The skills acquired from their military...
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...very aware of my biases toward the homeless. I am a first generation Filipino-American. My parents immigrated to the United States in order to create a new and prosperous life for them and for their family. Hard work and perseverance have been two values that have been instilled in my psyche since I was a child. I was always taught that family is the number one priority and you would do anything to make sure that the family thrives. If this meant you had to work three jobs, then it was your duty to yourself and your family to work those three jobs. I may seem insensitive for feeling little sympathy for the homeless community but every time I see a seemingly able bodied individual ask for change or hold up a sign begging for money I remember my exhausted father come home from the fields. He would be covered from head to toe in dirt and mud but he was still proud that he is able to provide for his family. The thoughts of my mother working call for a months at a time so my father could take one day off rush to the front of my conscience. If my parents who are not even from this country can do it, why can’t the guy holding up the sign do it? Hopefully I am able to figure why he can’t. The homeless is a population in our society that is often overlooked. For whatever reason a person becomes homeless he or she is still a person and deserves the same basic resources that any individual in today’s society is entitled. Many of the homeless population are reluctant to seek and receive...
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...Vulnerable Populations Complete the following assignment of the total 100 points for this module and submit this in Blackboard assignments. You will need to utilize the following chapters (31-38) in the Stanhope and Lancaster book to assist you with this assignment. Name: Trevalla Eggleston__________________ Date: _04/11/2013__________________ I. Complete the following activities which will count for a total of 50 points 1. Complete the following table. (Type your answers into the table.) (10 points /.5 each) |Vulnerable Population |Common Health Problems |Identify Health Strategies to improve health | |Poor and Homeless |HIV/AIDS; substance abuse;depression;COPD;Musculoskeleral|Preventative services related to homelessness | | |problems; malnutrition; tuberculosis; mental/psychiatric |include providing adequate housing, education | | |illness |on proper dieting, shelter, and free or | | | |affordable health care. | |Pregnant Adolescents |Low pregnancy birth rates; sexual transmitted infections |Provide services for adolescents that are | | | |pregnant. Provide...
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