Date of Award
Spring 5-8-2021
Document Type
Oral Presentation/Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Health Science
Faculty Mentor
Moses Ikiugu, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Keywords
occupational therapy, homeless population, homelessness, life skills training program
Subject Categories
Occupational Therapy
Abstract
There is a need for interventions to help people experiencing homelessness learn home management, transportation, and health maintenance skills. The purpose of this capstone experience was to administer an occupational therapy program to support sheltered adults experiencing homelessness to improve their preparedness in obtaining and maintaining housing, community reintegration, and long-term success in life. I completed the capstone experience at Hope Street of Siouxland, a sober living home for adult males who are recovering from homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. I completed a Needs Assessment and developed the program based on the identified needs of Hope Street guests. The program consisted of seven sessions over seven weeks, and nine Hope Street guests participated in it. I assessed program outcomes using goal achievement status, an independently developed Activity Rating Scale, Modified Interest Checklist, Role Checklist, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and Occupational Circumstances Assessment Interview Rating Scale. There was a significant improvement in the strength of interest and engagement in activities and roles, self-perceived occupational performance and satisfaction, ability to develop and participate in short-term and long-term goals, and achievement of identified goals following participation in the program. Research using strong designs is needed to confirm these outcomes as a basis for advocacy for the role of occupational therapy in addressing the needs of people experiencing homelessness.
Recommended Citation
Oorlog, Ariana, "Occupational Therapy Services for Sheltered Individuals Experiencing Homelessness" (2021). Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations. 39.
https://red.library.usd.edu/ot-capstone/39