Health and housing among low-income adults with physical disabilities.
The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of living environment on the health and access to health care of low-income working-age adults with physical disabilities. We conducted focus groups of participants with physical disabilities in the District of Columbia living in each of three housing situations (a homeless shelter, a nursing home, and an inaccessible house or apartment). Twenty-eight people participated in the focus groups. Most were male (79%) and African American (93%). Participants from a homeless shelter expressed concerns about accessibility and sanitation at the shelter. Nursing home participants expressed a need for privacy and autonomy that would foster consumer-directed care. Participants living in inaccessible apartments or houses worried about their ability to maintain daily living and social activities. Participants perceived barrier-free housing conditions to be a prerequisite for independent living and for ensuring their basic health and well-being.
Ho
Pei-Shu
PS
Westat, Inc, MD, USA. Pei-ShuHo@Westat.com
Kroll
Thilo
T
Kehn
Matthew
M
Anderson
Penny
P
Pearson
Katherine M
KM
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D001107:Architectural Accessibility; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004219:District of Columbia; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006304:Health Status; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000592:standards*; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011203:Poverty; D018907:Privacy; D011638:Public Housing / Q000592:standards*; D036301:Qualitative Research