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Homeless Peoples
Homeless Peoples As nurses caring for
oncological patients, part of a holistic assessment involves
a review of the patient’s psychosocial supports at home
and in their community. For the cancer patient who is homeless,
issues related to their unique social situation need to be
understood and addressed by their health care providers.
Understanding of the issues confronting this population and
careful reflection of one’s own beliefs related to the
homeless is imperative. Consideration needs to be given to
the meaningfulness of the three dimensions of basic housing.
These dimensions include a house as a physical structure,
a home with its inherent social and psychological characteristics
and neighbourhood, its physical location and available community
supports. (RNAO Policy Statement).
The homeless are often isolated, without meaningful or trusting
relationships. They are in need in ways that the general population
who observe them in passing cannot even imagine – food,
warmth, security and rest. Homelessness threatens the dignity
of human beings, undermining or destroying their ability to
be seen and to see themselves as worthwhile persons. (Seltser
& Miller 1993) Homelessness has many complex causes and
great potential for tragic consequences.
For more information on the homeless and cancer,
click
here.
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