Illicit Drug Use as a Challenge to the Delivery of End-of-Life Care to Homeless Persons: Perceptions of Health and Social Services Professionals - Homeless Hub Research Summary Series

Many thousands of Canadians experience homelessness each year. Recent estimates suggest that between 44% and 60% of homeless people have used illicit drugs in their lifetime. Homeless people tend to die younger than the housed population and tend to have complex end-of-life needs. This is partly due to illicit drug use and associated physical health problems. Accessing health care is a difficult task for homeless individuals who use illicit drugs as they are often stigmatized, lack identification, are struggling to manage withdrawal symptoms, and do not feel welcome in healthcare settings.

Publication Date: 
2013