Palliative Care in the Context of Homelessness

Guest Presenter: Shelley Tysick

In this webinar, Shelley Tysick discussed her experiences as a RN supporting people living and dying on the streets of Victoria, B.C. As all communities are seeing increased numbers of people whose lives are in disarray, it is common to see individuals sleeping and living in makeshift shelters. For those living with life-threatening illness, it is important to be able to provide care that meets the person’s needs, where ever there are living.

This webinar enhanced and deepened attendees’ understanding and capacity for applying the principles of palliative care in the context of structural vulnerabilities (Structural vulnerabilities refers to the lack of housing, health care, food, finances, and so on, that people may experience due to social, medical, cultural or family issues.) We discussed the challenges and consequences related to the social determinants of health (SDOH) and inequitable access to palliative care. We rounded up the discussion by sharing strategies related to harm reduction, cultural humility and trauma informed care and how to integrate them into your current palliative practice.

This webinar built capacity for individuals to understand and practice principles of palliative care in the context of equity:

  • Attendees explored social determinants of health (SDOH) that disproportionately impact people living with structural vulnerability. Further understanding of disparities in access to healthcare, and strategies to promote equity in palliative services will be evident.
  • Attendees were able to recognize the impact of trauma on patients and gained practical tools for integrating trauma informed care (TIC) and cultural humility into palliative practice.
  • Attendees understood harm reduction principles and learned how harm reduction practices intersect with palliative care.

Links included in webinar

Exploring Trauma Informed Care for Populations Experiencing Structural Vulnerability

Serious Illness Conversation adaptations of the guide with specific populations

My Advance Care Plan – Simplified

CAMMP Calgary Alberta Mobile Team

PEACH Program Ontario

Equity In Palliative Care

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Courtney Murrell is a PSW who works in hospice palliative care.

When she is not at work, she is spending time with her family, going on hikes or writing. Courtney is a lifelong learner and loves to share her passion for writing as a wellness practice.

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