Table 1: Definition of Vulnerable/Underserved Populations
Classification
Terminology
Definition Impairments Activity Limitations
or Participation
Restrictions
Population:
Elderly Persons aged 65
and older
Visual; Audio;
Sensory (i.e.
smell, touch);
Speech; Cognitive
functioning;
Impaired-gait;
reduced strength;
social isolation
Reduced mobility
–Inability to run
or move quickly;
higher risk for
falls; dependence
on devices
(e.g. hearing aid,
walker, etc.);
Dependence on
multiple and
often complex
medication
regimens; Reliant
on guidance or
help from others
Persons who
are substance
dependent
According to the
Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual
of Mental Health
Disorders (DSM-5) 2013,
Substance Use Disorder
combines the categories
of substance abuse and
substance dependence
into a single disorder
measured on a
continuum. The DSM-V
recognizes substance
related disorders
resulting from the use of
ten separate classes of
drugs: alcohol, caffeine,
cannabis, hallucinogens
(phencyclidine or
similarly acting
arylcyclohexylamines),
other hallucinogens
such as LSD, inhalants,
opioids, sedatives,
hypnotics, anxiolytics,
stimulants (including
amphetamine-type
substances, cocaine,
and other stimulants),
tobacco, and other or
unknown substances.
(American Psychiatric
Association 2013)
Social isolation;
chemical
imbalance;
reduced cognitive
functioning;
reduced or
impaired physical
health and
function
Homeless; little
or no access
to standard
institutions/
information;
physically weak
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