what is the impact of homeless people on their health?

Answer 1

they are dying and because i live a happy life i dont give a damn

Answer 2

Without going into any of the health/mental health problems that may have led to the person being homeless, a short list would include foot problems, anxiety/ptsd, food poisoning, hypothermia and/or frostbite in winter, sometimes death, heat stroke in summer, skin conditions from lack of sanitary facilities, high infection rates from poor nutrition, exhaustion, and high stress, poor dental health, stress related illnesses including heart disease. Imagine that you have to keep moving all day so you are always on your feet, you have to keep an eye on your possesions all the time so that they aren't stolen or confiscated by police in a sweep-which means you can't sleep well, your food comes from questionable sources, you have no bathroom, so you can't bathe regularly or wash your hands- basic public health precautions are impossible, you don't know where you will sleep tonight because the shelters are full, and the police will kick you out of whatever corner you found, you have no access to dental care, or if your county provides it, all they will do is pull a tooth rather than save it, you don't have medical coverage, so treatment for illness and infections is delayed, making them worse, and all this is a best case scenario for someone who was mentally stable and not on drugs or alcohol. Add that into the mix, and you have real trouble.

Answer 3

Do you mean for your question to be reflexive? Right now, it's asking what effect homeless people have on their own health. Stereotypically, of course, this would lead to answers about them drinking themselves to death, or killing themselves through drug use -- situations in which they are their own worst enemies.

Is that what you're looking for, or are you asking what impact the condition of homelessness has on one's health? If the latter, then I imagine the lack of options for maintaining personal hygiene and a sound diet begin to take their toll pretty quickly. Dental care probably goes out the window, too, and with that, other health problems are likely to arise.

Answer 4

The question is less than clear so any answer would be inadequate. What I think you meant to ask was: "What is the impact of homelessnes on the health of people who are without homes" Now an answer is possible.

Well homelessnes is not necessarily destitution. I have been homeless but was able to sustain myself by finding warm shelter, odd jobs and the good companionship of others in similar plight. I lived on the beach in Southend (U.K.). I slept in shelters designed to keep holiday-makers happy in bad weather.

I could go on . . . .

I met people who were homeles and destitute; the effect on their health? Diabolical. You would not be happy to read true descriptions unless you are moronic. Often their mental health was also greatly affected.

That said, I now offer help to such people in any way I can and I ask you and all who read this to do likewise. Ask not how or why.
See what is in front of you and please be moved to help.

Answer 5

Notyou311 I object to your comments about homeless people.

They are not all drunk, junk heads, nutters, whatever.

My brother who is in his mid 40s has recently become homeless at no fault of his. His relationship broke down. He gave up his home to his ex-partner rather than see her on the steet and the Local Council has been unable to offer him alternative housing.

He at present has bed and breakfast accomodation which is not very good at this time of year. Especially at this particular time of year. It okay having a place to sleep, but hell when you have to be on the streets from 7-8 in the morning until 8-9 at night in all weathers with just pennies in your pocket to for food and drink through the day.

Its not just soul destroying and demeaning to the person that has been made homeless, but is means constant worry to the family. Is he/she ok. Is she/he able to afford food.

My main worry is that my brother who has suffered from depression most of his life and has attempted suicide two or three times will do himself some harm.

Homelessness also affects families who have no where to stay. Would you like to be a mother with children who iare in bed and breakfast accommodation in a one bedroomed hotel / B & B and with no prospects of getting a home in the distant future? I don't think so!

In this day and age every body should be entitled to a roof over their heads.

Answer 6

Most of them are alcoholics, drug abusers or they are mental cases. They suffer from a number of ailments from tooth decay to AIDs. They age quickly and don't live long.

Answer 7

Malnutrition and mental instability.