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Medical care for the homeless elderly
1Department of Community Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, New York, NY, USA. hornpitaro@earthlink.net
Summary
Providing healthcare for elderly, homeless individuals presents significant challenges due to complex needs and systemic barriers. A single-payer system could streamline care for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Public Health
- Health Policy
Background:
- Elderly individuals experiencing homelessness face compounded health and social challenges.
- Healthcare access is frequently obstructed by systemic issues and bureaucratic hurdles.
- The intersection of aging, homelessness, and health necessitates innovative care models.
Observation:
- A case study highlights two frail elderly women in New York City who became homeless.
- One patient presented with an occipital scalp tumor; the other suffered from renal failure.
- Complexities included difficulties in securing supportive housing and managing chronic conditions.
Findings:
- Systemic obstacles, such as loss of Medicaid due to interstate relocation and Medicare eligibility issues for an 82-year-old, were identified.
- Mental illness further complicates care provision and housing placement for homeless individuals.
- The current fragmented healthcare system incurs unnecessary costs and inefficiencies.
Implications:
- The study underscores the urgent need for improved housing and healthcare solutions for the elderly homeless population.
- Navigating healthcare and social services is exceptionally difficult for individuals with dual vulnerabilities.
- A national single-payer healthcare system is proposed as a potential solution to address fragmentation and reduce costs.
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