The homeless population in the United States is rapidly aging, with a parallel increase in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD). During an evolving pandemic that jeopardizes employment and housing, assessing the relationship between ADRD and homelessness is critical since the latter is potentially intervenable. The objective of this study is to review the literature and determine whether there is an association between homelessness and dementia risk. A systematic review of existing studies was conducted through PubMED, SCOPUS, and EMBASE among others. Of the 228 results found, nine met inclusion criteria. Homeless studies mainly centered on veteran populations ( n = 6/9). There is a complex relationship suggesting homelessness as a risk for and consequence of ADRD but also co-occurrence with psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and traumatic injuries. Future studies should employ enumeration surveys with modular longitudinal tracking and measure social determinants of health, discrimination, chronic stress, and mood disorders.

It is a hugely complex task to move a 525-bed acute tertiary health facility to a new building whilst continuing to provide services to the public--a task that was undertaken at Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital in March/April 2001. There were complex issues to manage, ranging from clinical unit interdependence across a split campus to the development of detailed plans for transferring telephone extensions/personal computers in a "live environment". The success of the Princess Alexandra exercise is shown by there having been no adverse effects on patients, the lack of negative media attention and the occurrence of only two staff injuries during the move. Meticulous planning and good communication with staff and stakeholders (other hospitals, general practitioners) supported this success. The decision to reduce clinical services where possible during the shift was helpful. Understanding the complexity and richness of the information technology, the work environment and the human elements on campus was also critical to success. One major error was the initial decision to schedule the move within weeks of receiving practical completion of the new building. It became all too clear in November 2000 that further time was required to commission the building. The Transition was therefore rescheduled from January to March 2001. This decision was critical to the success of the move.

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In the United States, social determinants of health have resulted in inequities in health care, particularly for communities affected by systemic forms of racism and oppression. Health-care professionals are essential in assisting participation in the health-care system. Building a more diverse health-care workforce can expand access to care, improve the quality of care, and increase health equity. However, many health-care professions have struggled to effectively recruit and retain individuals from diverse backgrounds. In the field of occupational therapy, leaders in diversity, equity, and inclusion worked together to establish a framework with nationwide initiatives to effectively recruit and retain a workforce that is more representative of the communities, in which health-care professionals serve. The initiatives and framework outlined below can be replicated to advance efforts to increase diversity and create systems that address justice, equity, and inclusion.