District Nurse shares expertise on supporting homeless people with end-of-life care
A District Nurse at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has shared her expertise in the British Journal of Community Nursing about how best to support homeless people with end-of-life care.
Titled ‘The challenges homeless people face when accessing end-of-life care: what district nurses need to know’, Helen Barnes explores the homeless community’s healthcare barriers and how Community Nurses are well-placed to provide person-centred care.
The article sets out how homeless people experience a backdrop of health inequalities and lower life expectancy because of risks such as substance misuse and poor nutrition and sanitation, which can increase pain at the end of life.
Helen identifies how joint working within community services, including Community Nurses, could provide more opportunities to meet the health needs of homeless people, including:
· Providing the right healthcare as soon as possible
· Using appropriate language and removing medical jargon which can act as a barrier to understanding health conditions
· Offer end-of-life care support to homeless shelters to make sure homeless people are being reached
· Educate and support hostel staff to recognise physical and behavioural changes.
With end-of-life care being a key part of the role of Community Nurses, the publication draws on recommendations to improve the offer to those experiencing homelessness:
· Use a tailored approach to provide pain relief
· Encourage honest and open conversations about alcohol consumption to make sure the most effective medication is prescribed
· Hold regular multi-disciplinary team meetings to improve communication about patients
· Offer end-of-life patients control and choice by using advanced care planning.
Helen said: “It’s a privilege to be able to speak so frankly and openly about some of the challenges our homeless people experience when trying to access services.
“Bolton has a wonderful Homeless and Vulnerable Adult Nursing team that work closely with Bolton Council and offer a range of services to support this vulnerable population.”
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has job opportunities available online to join the Community Nursing teams.