People experiencing homelessness bear a higher burden of illness such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease. Managing one of these chronic conditions while living in a shelter or on the streets can leave clients feeling helpless and overwhelmed. While health care providers play an important role in helping clients to understand and take care of their health, it is the clients themselves who must balance the realities of homelessness while managing their health. (Author)

Self management goal setting allows clients to actively participate in their own health care. Health care providers are trained to educate clients on the treatment of their health issues and to use evidence based interventions that have been demonstrated to improve health outcomes. Standard treatment plans focus on areas such as exercise, rest, careful bathing, skin care and proper nutrition. But goals based on standard treatment plans often require resources that are not available to homeless persons, who live in environments in which supportive foot wear, restroom facilities and food options are limited. Likewise, trauma is prevalent throughout the world of homelessness. It complicates care, often compromises the client’s perception of safety and must be understood and addressed before diagnosis, treatment or change can occur. This guide is designed to introduce the health care provider to the basics of self management support within the context of homelessness. It is an introduction to the fundamentals of behavioral change strategies aimed at supporting clients as they take steps to improve their health care. And it will assist health care providers in helping patients identify self management goals that consider the realities of homelessness while designing plans that can promote their independence. (Author)