Improving the health and wellbeing of homeless individuals using relational care approaches
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Michael C. Pearson (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Carmen Monico
Abstract: Homelessness is a social system plagued by limited resources, access issues, and influenced by a relational social construct. A challenge for homeless service providers working with the unsheltered is addressing individual issues while managing the different system influences on homelessness. Within the ecosystem of homelessness there are multiple variables influencing how to cope and manage through personal, emotional, and health and wellness concerns. As homeless service providers engage a list of tasks as part of their organizational duty and roles, for providers to manage homeless consequences there is a need to know how to sustain provider-client relationships. When considering services to the homeless, fundamental to the helping process is provider attitude and professional behavior. Providers use of essential skills and display of professional attitudes can help reduce negative homeless outcomes. In terms of professional behavior and attitude, having multiple roles to play, staffing, and agency capacity are underlying influences on human service work. In considering approaches to service, professionalism and display of Relational care are vital. When trying to understand the best approaches to homeless services, elements such as leadership style, level of lived experience, ability to foster empathy and compassion, and professional knowledge are significant. In recognizing what are essential skills to service, considering the variety of service conditions, building rapport, empowering, developing the individual, addressing basic needs (psychological and physiological), instilling hope, and conflict resolution are vital. For homeless service providers to be effective and reduce positive effects of homelessness, they must recognize a two-pronged approach to homelessness, (i.e., to assess structural and client system conditions). A fundamental and principal part of helping unsheltered populations is building strong, healthy relationships that show understanding of individual client issues and being aware of the macro and mezzo issues that impact daily work. Next to understanding ecological issues is identifying client-specific needs and engaging external agency community partnerships that are collaborative in addressing homelessness. These elements encompass professionalism, advocacy, and engage a relational interaction. Having an active role that possesses the ability to advocate and address extreme social disparities connects to the humanity of others and breaks down the barriers that prevent individuals from attaining housing, maintaining health and wellness, and exiting homelessness. Maintaining a supportive attitude, professional skill, and assessing ecosystem factors are principal elements for providers to be aware when working with unsheltered populations and navigating homeless barriers. Keywords: Homelessness, Health Disparities, Care Approaches, Relational Care, Service Approaches, Leadership
Improving the health and wellbeing of homeless individuals using relational care approaches
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Created on 5/1/2024
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2024
- Keywords
- Homelessness, Health Disparities, Care Approaches, Relational Care, Service Approaches, Leadership
- Subjects
- Homeless persons $x Health and hygiene
- Homeless persons $x Services for
- Homeless persons $x Care