Question

1. How would you complete a focused assessment on a homeless person or veteran who has Type 2 diabetes?

2. Identify the major factors that contribute to homelessness and associated reduction in access to care.

Answer 1

1.Complete focus and assessment of homeless patient or veteran is done :-

- Set goals, be resourceful and be practical before giving advices to them. We should know providers in the local area who can help them. Seek help from social and third sector organisations to understand the present barriers and to give better diabetes care.

- Learn to be pragmatic. Its important and to ensure that the patient keeps a good contact with the team. If we cannot have an optimal control then a small reduction in glucose level increase the chance of a healthy future.

- Have network with multiple agencies. This will help to update the services in the area and also have a connection with the people who might require help.

- Provision of food. It is very important to know where we get free food providers and also Chek for it's quality. These people are advised for more vegetables and less starchy carbohydrates.

- Do not make assumptions. This people need complete attention, so keep an eye on them. Never make assumptions that they will directly come to the health care provider if they need any help.

Factors contribute to homelessness:-

- lost job.

- divorce.

- illness, medical problems.

- domestic violence.

- incarceration.

- alcohol, drug abuse.

- eviction etc.