Health Needs of Homeless Clients Accessing Nursing Care at a Free Clinic

Homeless people need emotional support, caring professionals, and resources that work within their frame of reality. Each homeless community will have different demographics and health needs. The common denominators are the obstacles encountered when trying to access health care: bureaucracy, transportation, accessibility, present-time orientation, limited resources, frustration, and anxiety. Nurse-managed free clinics are an effective means of serving the needs of homeless and indigent populations. Through these clinics, clients can receive continuity of care, proper follow-up, referrals, and teaching to aid in the prevention of illness. A free clinic was established in a northwestern Georgia community to meet the health needs of homeless and indigent persons. This article describes the demographics, attitudes, values, perceived support systems, and health needs of clients accessing care at this nursing clinic.