Activity Performance Priorities for Adults Experiencing Homelessness: Insights from Management and Staff at a...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy
• Public Health
• Social Work

Background:

• Affordable housing is vital for housing stability and substance abuse treatment for people experiencing homelessness (PEH).
• Housing alone shows limited impact on substance abuse, mental health, or physical health outcomes for PEH.
• Participation in daily activities is linked to better health and independent living, yet priorities are unclear for PEH in transitional housing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify activity performance priorities among people experiencing homelessness (PEH) residing in transitional housing.
• To inform interventions aimed at improving health and independent living for PEH.

Main Methods:

• Focus group methodology was employed with management and staff of a transitional housing facility.
• A 90-minute focus group discussion was conducted, followed by a 75-minute member checking session.

Main Results:

• Key activity performance priorities identified include: personal hygiene, house maintenance, meal preparation, transportation, health management (mental, physical, medical appointments), social participation, work, sleep, and leisure.
• These priorities span activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, health management, social engagement, and work/leisure.

Conclusions:

• Facilitating participation in identified activity priorities can support PEH in transitional housing.
• Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of activity-focused interventions on health outcomes for PEH.