Occupational Therapy for the Homeless
Research shows that people who are homeless only sleep an average of four hours a night. This is due to unsafe, uncomfortable, and noisy conditions that keep them awake. Lack of sleep causes them to not be able to think clearly and make decisions. Research also shows that people who are homeless do not have access to preventative healthcare. They only visit the emergency room when it is absolutely necessary. The things keeping this population homeless are the mental illness, substance use, and traumatic brain injuries that cause them to not be able to think.
Quinn Tyminski gave a TEDx Talk on how occupational therapy practitioners can help those who are or have been homeless. She talked about a lady named Mary who had a history of substance abuse and trauma, but could not get back on her feet even though she was recovering. Mary was referred to where Quinn works and was able to participate in group occupational therapy sessions. These sessions taught her valuable skills such as, how to be a better communicator, how to cook food with limited resources, and how to use a computer. In one-on-one sessions, Mary worked on how to break down tasks, manage her diabetes, and make sleep better in her current environment.
Quinn gave two main reasons why people who are homeless do not receive occupational therapy:
- The people who fund, run, and support homeless services do not know the benefits of occupational therapy
- Lack of funding
Occupational therapy for people who are homeless would give them the skills they need to stay safe and healthy while homeless, and help them stay housed once they are placed there. This presentation allowed me to look on people who are homeless in a better light and feel grateful of the life I have been allowed to live. I hope that one day I will be able to help people who are homeless in my professional career and give them the skills they require.
