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Facilitators to Improve Service Provision for Homeless People with Dementia

Vandana Bhagat

Homelessness and cognitive impairments, including dementia, have a strong connection (1-7). Cognitive impairment is significantly higher among homeless population and is generally acquired rather than developmental (8, 9). Individuals experiencing homelessness are at risk of developing dementia because of several factors such as unhealthy diet, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of secure accommodation and depression (10). At the same time, people with cognitive impairment are at risk of homelessness due to social isolation, poor coordination of support network, and a high level of stigmatisation both within the service system and society (7, 11). Due to complex physical and mental health needs, and challenging behaviour of the homeless population, service providers require a specialised approach in engaging with the homeless community (12).