Brain injury can lead to becoming homeless
Symposium on brain health set for June 1 in Kelowna
Most of us take a roof over our heads for granted. Whether it’s a house, townhouse or condo, whether we own or rent, it provides a sense of security, a place to hang our hat and a home.
Some people with a serious brain injury can experience a myriad of co-occurring issues. One of the most serious is being homeless — a pervasive social issue in many communities.
Homelessness can lead to many other risk factors, such as violence, drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, issues with the law, poor health and hospital visits.
Research suggests the prevalence of brain injury in the homeless population is high. Similarly, brain injury is a risk factor for becoming homeless.
A study from an urban men’s shelter in Toronto indicated 45 per cent of homeless men had incurred traumatic brain injury prior to becoming homeless. Of these, 73 per cent experienced their first injury before the age of 18. The most common ways the participants sustained brain injury were assaults, sports, falls and motor vehicle crashes.
As well, 87 per cent of participants reported their first traumatic brain injury before the onset of homelessness. While brain injury is only one risk factor for homelessness, it would be prudent for those caring personally or professionally for those with brain injury to consider their risk factors and what interventions may be required.
BrainTrust Canada is holding its annual public education event, the Pushor Mitchell Okanagan Symposium on Brain Health, on Thursday, June 1, at the Ramada Kelowna Hotel & Conference Centre.
Catharine Hume will be one of the keynote speakers. She was the national director for housing and homelessness with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and has led national projects on homelessness.
A full slate of speakers for the symposium is available at braintrustcanada.com.
To support BrainTrust Canada as an exhibitor or sponsor, contact Magda Kapp at 250-762-3233, ext. 109.
Magda Kapp is the director of communications and prevention services for BrainTrust Canada.