Caring for People Experiencing Homelessness Facing End of Life

The number of older adults without homes is expected to increase to 95,000 in the United States by 2050. Health Care for the Homeless programs have already seen a 51% increase in the number of patients age 50 or older between 2008 and 2014. Drawing on the Council’s recently developed adapted clinical guidelines, this Learning Lab will offer recommendations on a variety of issues related to end of life care for people experiencing homelessness, including pain management, alternative therapies, advance directives, and the role of medical respite. Participants will gain tools and skills to support their patients’ preferences, improve care to prevent unnecessary suffering, and assist staff in coping with the experience of caring for people at the end of life.