Rethinking palliative care for people affected by homelessness

Rethinking palliative care for people affected by homelessness 
Nursing in Practice, United Kingdom; by Karita Razzell; 8/5/25 
Well-timed palliative intervention can be a game-changer for people affected by homelessness facing advanced ill health, says Karita Razzell, palliative care manager at the charity St Mungo’s. ... There are various reasons behind the stark health disparities faced by people experiencing homelessness. ... Many individuals are living with serious mental health conditions, substance use issues, undiagnosed neurodiversity, and chronic physical illnesses – all of which can make clinical environments like hospitals particularly challenging for them. ... There are also digital hurdles: appointment systems and prescription services are increasingly online, yet many people without stable housing lack access to mobile phones or the internet. ... As a result, treatable conditions in people affected by homelessness often go undiagnosed until they reach an advanced stage.
Editor's Note: People experiencing homelessness in the U.S. face similar challenges to these described in the U.K. Organizations such as The Hildegard House in Louisville, KY, and others in the national Omega Home Network of “comfort care homes” quietly provide this sensitive, crucial palliative and hospice care. Click here to see a national map of these homes.