- Homeless patients aged 55 and above accounted for 4.1% of stays, were predominantly male and younger than housed patients.
- Hospitalisation was three times longer for homeless patients, with more frequent and prolonged use of isolation measures.
- Higher rates of psychotic and addictive disorders and multiple somatic comorbidities highlight need for enhanced screening, prevention and age-tailored accommodation.
Psychiatry Res. 2026 Oct 9;367:117503. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2026.117503. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
To date, there have been only a few scientific studies about characteristics of homeless patients hospitalized in psychiatric wards, and even fewer about the elderly. This is despite the fact that France, like all Western countries, is facing a general aging of its population and an increasing prevalence of homelessness. The objective of this single-centre retrospective study is to compare the sociodemographic data, psychiatric and somatic diagnoses, and hospitalization characteristics of patients over 55 years of age consecutively admitted to the Groupe Hospitalo-Universitaire Paris Psychiatry and Neurosciences during one year, according to whether or not they benefit from a stable home. Of the 2417 hospital stays documented, 4.1% pertained to patients experiencing homelessness. The demographic profile of these patients is characterised by a preponderance of males and a younger age group when compared to patients with home. The duration of their hospitalisation is increased threefold. The utilisation of isolation measures is elevated among homeless patients, both in terms of frequency and duration. The prevalence of psychotic and addictive disorders is higher among homeless patients. Mood and personality disorders are less prevalent. A higher prevalence of infectious, haematological, respiratory, skin and digestive comorbidities has been observed among homeless patients. The findings of this study demonstrate the intricate nature of psychiatric hospitalisation of homeless individuals aged 55 and above. The study emphasises the necessity of allocating greater resources to the prevention and screening of both psychiatric and somatic disorders among elderly patients experiencing precarious circumstances. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of developing accommodation facilities that are tailored to this specific demographic.
PMID:42880170 | DOI:10.1016/j.psychres.2026.117503
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