What does a ‘good death’ look like when you don’t have a home?

Research reveals time and time again that being homeless is detrimental to your health. It also dramatically shortens your life.

People who are homeless also have significantly greater rates of chronic disease, serious mental illness and substance abuse difficulties. And, despite having complex health needs, they are less likely to access healthcare and much more likely to die at a younger age than the general population.

When we reflect on a good death, many of us may picture being at home in a warm bed surrounded by our family and friends, or perhaps we may choose to die in the supportive care of an acute hospital, hospice or nursing home. But what does a good death look like when your home is in long-term homeless accommodation, unsuited to meet complex medical needs, or you are vulnerably housed – that is, living in substandard, insecure rental accommodation?

Research from the Health Research Board in 2024 reported that…