Advance Care Planning for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
In Focus
Year Developed: 2016
Resource Type: Publication.Primary Audience: Clinicians
Secondary Audience: Enabling Staff
Language(s): English
Developed by: National Health Care for the Homeless Council (See other resources developed by this organization).
Resource Summary: This literature review sheds light on current aging, disease, and mortality trends of people without homes while exploring their concerns about death and preferences for advanced care. It also explores implications for policy and practice to better meet the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness.
Resource Details: The rising number of older adults without homes and the high rates of disease and mortality they experience highlight the growing need for advance care planning (ACP) for this population, given ACP’s potential to prevent unnecessary suffering and support individuals’ preferences for palliative and end-of-life care. This literature review sheds light on current aging, disease, and mortality trends of people without homes while exploring their concerns about death and preferences for advanced care. It also explores implications for policy and practice to better meet the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness.
Resource Topic: Special and Vulnerable Populations, Health Equity
Keywords: Persons Experiencing Homelessness, Planning.This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $6,625,000 with 0 percentage financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.