Universal self-care requisites as identified by homeless elderly men

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Gerontology
• Public Health

Background:

• The current economic climate and rising homelessness necessitate enhanced nursing support for vulnerable populations.
• Homeless elderly men present unique challenges and needs requiring specific nursing attention.
• Self-care is a critical component of health maintenance and well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the self-care requisites and nursing interventions for homeless elderly men.
• To examine the applicability of Orem's theory of self-care to this population.
• To identify how nurses can facilitate homeless individuals' movement toward self-care.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews with homeless elderly men.
• Thematic analysis of participant statements to identify self-care needs and themes.
• Application of Orem's self-care deficit nursing theory framework.

Main Results:

• Identified specific self-care requisites and associated actions relevant to homeless elderly men.
• Demonstrated that universal self-care requisites are applicable across diverse populations, including the homeless elderly.
• Observed that self-care requisite categories are often interconnected and not mutually exclusive.

Conclusions:

• Nurses are essential in facilitating self-care for homeless individuals, particularly the elderly.
• Recognizing and addressing individual self-care needs is paramount for effective nursing interventions.
• Orem's theory provides a valuable framework for understanding and supporting the self-care of diverse populations, including those experiencing homelessness.