The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of physical disability in people who are homeless.
A qualitive interview-based study was undertaken between May-September 2024. Participants included residents of long-term homeless hostel accommodation in Dublin city centre, Ireland and stakeholders working in any capacity with people using homeless hostel accommodation. The interviews consisted of open-ended questions around the impact of disability. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Participants were recruited until theoretical saturation and questions were analysed using the Braun and Clarke framework.
Twenty-five participants were recruited, including n=19 people who were homeless and n=6 stakeholders. The main themes from interviews were centered around the personal impact of being homeless with a disability, such as losing independence and the inability to participate in preferred activities, as well as the challenges of managing co-existing complex medical co-morbidities and addiction issues on top of managing the disability.
Feelings of vulnerability and being stigmatized were commonly reported. Difficulties navigating the environment were highlighted due to their disability and the inaccessibility of buildings and services.
Participants expressed gratitude for the care received from hostel and health-care staff as well as suggesting a training need to better manage disabilities among this group for some staff.
Stakeholders expressed highlighted the need for policy improvements in housing strategy and joined up health-care and social care services as key factors.
Among participants who were homeless, there was a desire and hope expressed to improve their physical condition and engage in services such physiotherapy but waiting lists and transportation to services were cited as significant barriers.
Physical disability is common among people who are homeless and has a large personal impact. There is a large unmet rehabilitation need, for which physiotherapy may be a key component to bridge the gap. Further research should explore how best to broaden access to physiotherapy for people who are homeless who are also living with a disability.
As this project is funded by the National Disability Authority in Ireland, which is the independent statutory body, providing evidence-based advice and research to Government on disability policy, the generated report will feed directly into homeless and heath policy in Ireland. Scientific dissemination will reach international audiences and lead to research-informed curricular changes within physiotherapy.
Disability
