NURS-FPX4015 Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment: A Holistic Approach to Patient-Centered Care
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Good day, everyone. I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and today, I will be discussing the unique healthcare challenges faced by homeless or housing-insecure individuals. This presentation will also focus on strategies for delivering culturally competent nursing care to enhance health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
Housing insecurity refers to the lack of stable, adequate, and affordable housing, leading to increased risks of eviction, overcrowding, and homelessness. Individuals experiencing housing insecurity often find themselves in temporary shelters, motels, or living with family and friends due to financial difficulties. Some may frequently relocate, while others endure unsafe conditions, exacerbating chronic stress and poor health outcomes.
People with disabilities, low-income families, and marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity, further intensifying socioeconomic disparities. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC, 2023), approximately 11 million households (one in four individuals) out of 44.1 million renters in the United States struggle with housing affordability. This results in financial hardship, with many individuals at risk of losing their homes or being unable to afford rent.
Those experiencing housing insecurity face significant healthcare challenges, often delaying care due to cost, lack of insurance, and transportation barriers. They are at a higher risk of developing chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory diseases due to poor living conditions and limited access to nutritious food (Fitzpatrick & Willis, 2021).
Mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, are also prevalent due to financial stress and housing instability. Moreover, the absence of stable housing contributes to poor medication adherence and frequent emergency department visits. Many housing-insecure individuals experience preventable hospitalizations and suffer from untreated medical conditions.
Addressing these healthcare disparities requires integrating Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) into care models. Community-based programs offering mobile health services, mental health counseling, and housing assistance can help mitigate these challenges. Healthcare professionals must implement trauma-informed care to ensure sensitive and effective treatment for individuals facing housing insecurity. Expanding Medicaid eligibility and strengthening social support networks can bridge gaps in healthcare access and improve outcomes (Willison et al., 2021).
Providing culturally sensitive nursing care to housing-insecure individuals requires understanding their unique challenges and health disparities. Many individuals in this group prioritize basic survival over medical care, which often leads to untreated chronic conditions and delayed treatment for acute illnesses. One solution is the implementation of mobile health clinics that bring care directly to shelters and community centers, reducing transportation barriers and improving access to preventive services (Rennert et al., 2024).
Housing-insecure individuals often distrust healthcare systems due to past negative experiences and perceived discrimination. As Hernandez et al. (2021) suggest, nurses must build trust through respectful, nonjudgmental communication and trauma-informed care. Cultural competence training helps providers recognize and respect diverse backgrounds, improving patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans.
By integrating culturally responsive strategies, nurses can reduce healthcare disparities and improve outcomes for housing-insecure populations.
Housing-insecure individuals face numerous healthcare disparities due to financial instability, limited access to medical care, and social stigma. Many lack consistent healthcare providers and are forced to seek
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