Evaluating Cognitive Impairment and Its Relation to Function in a Population of Individuals Who Are Homeless

Abstract

Individuals experiencing homelessness are at risk for cognitive impairment and decreased functional skills due to complex comorbidities and restricted contexts. A retrospective analysis of occupational therapy evaluations within an integrated, interprofessional primary care clinic serving adults experiencing homelessness was completed. Evaluations included a standardized cognitive screening assessment and a standardized functional assessment. Assessment results were analyzed to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment, differences between cognitive and functional assessment performance, and the relationship between cognitive impairment and functional performance. Although most participants’ performance indicated cognitive impairment, functional performance was varied demonstrating the need for individualized evaluation and care planning in the transition from homelessness to housing.

Keywords:

• Functional cognition
• functional performance
• homelessness
• cognitive screening