Help for the homeless: Vets save lives and alleviate suffering!

Help for the homeless: Vets save lives and alleviate suffering!

Homelessness is an urgent problem that many Viennese experience in the cold winter months. People living on the streets face unimaginable living conditions - not only in winter but also in summer, as their everyday life is often a tough fight for survival. These people often suffer from chronic illnesses that manifest themselves in malnutrition, cold, infections, sexually transmitted diseases, dehydration or open wounds, as news.at reports.

Another aspect of this problem is the emotional exclusion that many homeless people experience. Animals such as dogs or cats are often loyal companions for these people and help to make everyday life more bearable. The “neunerhaus” veterinary practice in Vienna is a shining example of supporting animals and their owners. For 15 years now, volunteer veterinarians and assistants have been looking after the four-legged friends of homeless and homeless people three times a week.

Veterinary care for homeless people

When I visit the practice, it is quieter than usual on a Wednesday afternoon. A waiting lady reports worriedly about her cat, which sustained a wound while chasing a bird. Grateful for the support, she praises the patience and professionalism of the veterinarians. The veterinary director Eva Wistrela-Lacek, who has looked after the practice since the beginning, gives the cat an initial treatment with silver spray before an intern can vaccinate it. Treating the animals sensitively is the top priority here.

But the need for medical care is not just limited to animals. As aerzteblatt.de shows, the health conditions of homeless people are often alarming. In many places, these people are affected by financial, health and social problems that have led them to homelessness. The causes are diverse, from personal tragedies to separations to experiences of violence.

Challenges in healthcare

Statistics show that homeless people often suffer from somatic and mental illnesses. A study by the Institute for Forensic Medicine at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf shows that 75 percent of these people need treatment, while around 23 percent report a medically diagnosed mental illness. Many have no trust in medical care or have organizational hurdles to overcome, as uke.de clearly explains.

The health risks are enormous: homeless people are 3 to 4 times more likely to die prematurely, with an average age at death between 42 and 52 years. Cardiovascular diseases are just as common as addictions and often pose serious threats to the lives of those affected.

Where does the path lead?

The prevailing difficulties in providing healthcare to homeless people make it clear that it is time not only to expand financial resources, but also to improve access to specialized specialists. Suggestions for improvement include, among other things, increasing the willingness to donate and more comprehensive offers in the form of hospital rooms.

There is still a lot of work ahead of us to provide those affected with a better quality of life. Initiatives like that of “neunerhaus” are a significant step in the right direction, but the need will continue to grow. Only together can we escape the vicious cycle of homelessness and bring about real change.