Life's hard and then you die: the end-of-life priorities of people experiencing homelessness in the UK. (2nd March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Webb, Wendy Ann; Mitchell, Theresa; Snelling, Paul; Nyatanga, Brian
• Is Part Of: International journal of palliative nursing. Volume 26:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 120
• Page End: 132
• Publication Date: 2020-03-02
• Subjects: Homelessness -- end of life -- priorities -- compassionate community -- Merleau-Ponty; Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; 616.029
• DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2020.26.3.120
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1357-6321

Abstract

Abstract : Background: People experiencing homelessness often die young and without adequate support. In the UK, they fail to access palliative care services and their end-of-life priorities remain poorly understood. Aims: To explore the end-of-life concerns, fears, preferences and priorities of a sample of people experiencing homelessness in the UK. Methods: This is an interpretive phenomenology. Data collected through semi-structured, audio-recorded, face-to-face interviews with 21 homeless participants in the UK were analysed iteratively using thematic analysis. Findings have been interpreted through the lens of Merleau-Ponty's philosophy. Results: Eight themes are reported: spiritual concerns; practical concerns; fear of needing care; fear of being forgotten; preference for dying suddenly; preference for being somewhere comfortable where people know me; prioritising autonomy and self-determination; and prioritising authenticity. Conclusion: A strengths-based, trauma-informed, person-centred, collaborative 'compassionate community' approach to care is recommended for people experiencing homelessness at end of life.