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Exploring the experiences and needs of homeless aboriginal and torres strait islander peoples with neurocognitive disability

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 July 2019

Clare Townsend ,
Michelle McIntyre ,
Courtney J. Wright ,
Ali Lakhani ,
Paul White  and
Jennifer Cullen
Clare Townsend
Affiliation:
Synapse Australia Ltd., West End, Australia The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
Michelle McIntyre*
Affiliation:
Synapse Australia Ltd., West End, Australia The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
Courtney J. Wright
Affiliation:
Synapse Australia Ltd., West End, Australia The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
Ali Lakhani
Affiliation:
The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
Paul White
Affiliation:
Queensland Government Department of Communities, Disability Services, and Seniors, Specialist Disability Services Assessment and Outreach Team, South Brisbane, Australia
Jennifer Cullen
Affiliation:
Synapse Australia Ltd., West End, Australia James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
*
*Corresponding author. Email: mmcintyre@synapse.org.au
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Abstract

Objective:

The current study explored the experiences and aspirations of a cohort of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults with neurocognitive disability residing in a homeless shelter in regional Queensland, Australia. Neurocognitive disability (NCD) refers to any acquired disorder or injury to the brain where the primary clinical deficit is in cognitive function.

Method:

The data reported on in this paper emerged from a broader study that aimed to understand the extent and nature of neurocognitive disability amongst homeless Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The broader study found high levels of NCD which impacted on people’s ability to participate in society. As part of the study, qualitative information was sought regarding participant life experiences. A culturally safe and acceptable structure of “past, present and future” was applied to open-ended questions.

Results:

Thematic analysis of the data identified four broad themes of i) normalisation of illness and disability; ii) trauma and loss; iii) socioeconomic disadvantage; and iv) hope and disempowerment. This paper reports on these themes and experiences, which occurred across the life span, intersected with NCD, and contributed to what we have termed ‘complex disablement’ amongst this cohort.

Conclusions:

While causal links between life experience, disability and disablement are not always clear, our findings suggest that attempts to address homelessness must engage with this complexity. The application of holistic, intersectoral supports, which encompass culturally informed, community driven approaches are needed. Understanding the impacts of individual and intergenerational trauma is crucial to safe and effective service provision for this cohort.

Keywords

Indigenoushomelessnesscognitive impairmentbrain injurytrauma
Type
Articles
Information
Brain Impairment , Volume 20 , Special Issue 2: Brain Impairment in Indigenous Populations , September 2019 , pp. 180 - 196
Copyright
© Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment 2019 

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