Working with mentally ill homeless persons: should we respect their quest for anonymity?
- Abarbanel Mental Health Centre, Bat Yam, Israel, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel and the Department of Social Services, Tel Aviv Municipality, Tel Aviv, Israel
Abstract
In recent years, the homeless population has received much attention as authorities attempt to comprehend this phenomenon and offer solutions. When striving to establish a relationship with the homeless person, many problems arise. We encounter this dilemma when respecting the right of the mentally ill to dwell neglected in the streets and simultaneously observe their inability to comprehend provisions such as housing, shelter, medical and mental care which contribute to their human dignity. The polarities of autonomy versus involuntary treatment are highlighted when treating the homeless population.
Footnotes
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Yuval Melamed, MD, is the Head of Open Department at Abarbanel Mental Health Center (Affiliated with Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine), Bat Yam, Israel 59100. Dafna Fromer, MSW, is a Teacher in the School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. Ziona Kemelman, MSW, is the Head of the Homeless Unit, Department of Social Services, Tel Aviv Municipality, Tel Aviv, Israel. Yoram Barak, MD, is the Head of the Psychogeriatric Department in the Abarbanel Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Consultant in the Homeless Unit, Department of Social Services, Tel Aviv Municipality, Tel Aviv, Israel.
