Health care and homeless older adults

This article addresses the health of homeless older adults and presents common medical problems encountered in this population. Clinical findings inherent to the medical conditions discussed are presented to assist clinicians who assess homeless older adults identify potentially fatal symptomatology. Programs and policy initiatives directed toward health care and issues related to the provision of Medicare, the problems encountered in health maintenance organizations in serving the underserved, and the provision of care for the uninsured population are discussed as they directly affect the ability of the health care system to meet the medical needs of older adults who are homeless. Lastly, some model screening and intervention programs are presented to provide information on programs that have been implemented and have been successful in adequately addressing the health and health care needs of homeless older adults.