Establishing Characteristics for Unsheltered Older Adults Who Experience Unplanned Hospitalization Visits After Being Discharged from the Hospital to the Street or Temporary Housing

More than 3000 Utahans and over half a million people in the United States experience homelessness. Those who experience homelessness for extended periods are more likely to live shorter lives with lower quality of life. Studies show that when persons who have experienced homelessness are discharged from the hospital to the street, they are more likely to experience a relapse in medical symptoms, fall, or fail to adhere to the proper medication schedule, which can lead to increased pain levels, worsening physical health, and other conditions requiring rehospitalization.