The importance of health management and maintenance occupations while homeless: A case study

Life expectancy for persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) is two decades lower than the general population; often, middle-aged adults experience such debilitating health issues due to homelessness that their physical bodies resemble that of a geriatric population. Environmental barriers limiting the ability for PEH to follow medical recommendations and access healthcare often result in decreased health outcomes for this population. The need to participate in survival occupations can reduce time spent in occupations related to health and wellness. This article presents a case study to demonstrate the impact that limited and intermittent access to healthcare can have on quality of life and wellbeing for PEH. The case study illuminates the significant impact health concerns can cause for a PEH, including eviction from shelters, verbal abuse from staff and peers, and dehumanization. This case study and resulting manuscript are designed to explore the need for health promotion occupations within a population of PEH.