HEALTH EQUITY FEATURE
other factors , including multiple morbidities , poly-substance misuse , adverse life events , poverty and societal stigma .
By using occupation to address an individual ’ s identity , performance , competence and barriers , individuals have enjoyed improved quality of living , better management of their health and wellbeing and timely ‘ move-ons ’ to permanent accommodation .
This article will illuminate some of the most prominent health inequalities encountered and addressed by occupational therapists as an emerging role within this setting .
the co-ordinated approach required for tackling and preventing homelessness over this period .
The Welsh Government is clear that homelessness cannot be prevented through housing alone – all public services and the third sector have a role to play in delivering this vision , including health boards , local authorities and social landlords .
As such , in 2020 , occupational therapy was introduced to the Cardiff Homelessness Service as part of this multidisciplinary approach , joining the continuously expanding team of substance misuse services , therapeutic and mental health provisions , counselling , police , probation , diversionary activities , employment support , GP and adult social services .
Over the course of the past year , occupational therapy has shown great value in addressing many of the health inequalities that prevent people from moving on from homelessness services . It has become increasingly apparent that the homeless population are a marginalised community who often struggle to engage with mainstream services , due to their chaotic lifestyles and
Identifying appropriate accommodation Cardiff ’ s Rough Sleeper Strategy ( 2017-2020 ) has worked towards ending rough sleeping in Cardiff , meaning that there are increasing numbers of clients awaiting move-on from temporary accommodation ( hostels ) to permanent / alternative accommodation ( social housing , private rented and supported placements ).
Clients are often placed in environments that may not account for their physical or learning disabilities , sensory impairments or mental health conditions , and this can ultimately contribute to their occupational interruption .
There are numerous factors that impact the securing of longterm housing , such as affordability , suitability and adaptability of rented and private sector housing , as well as long waiting lists for council and supported accommodations .
There is a lack of specialist placements that accommodate those with complex disorders ( hoarding / substance misuse ), leaving many people with no other option than to remain living in hostel environments , where they are very vulnerable and may experience an exacerbation of their issues , such as worsening mental health .
The value of occupational therapy is seen through the offering of our environmental assessments where we identify and make recommendations for the type of property and support a person requires to have a better quality of living .
We assess the impact that their current surroundings have on their wellbeing – physical and cognitive health – as well as their domestic and self-care skills . By offering interventions that look to improve a person ’ s functional skills we are preparing those individuals to move on from hostel living to a more permanent residence .
This ensures that a person can meet their basic needs as independently as possible , or with recognised appropriate support being tailored to prevent a failed tenancy .
We look to highlight the complexities of an individual ’ s situation and work alongside adult social care to make tailored recommendations for care packages of support . We also work with housing support officers to provide detailed recommendations for move-on options .
For those individuals who show readiness for work , we can support a referral to an employment support officer , highlighting any potential occupational issues that need to be considered when finding appropriate work placements .
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