Dying with dignity: Bringing an essential service to Toronto’s marginalized homeless and vulnerably housed

Abstract

Homeless persons and the vulnerably housed live significantly shorter lives and experience higher rates of chronic disease, mental illness and polysubstance abuse. Despite the high mortality and morbidity, this vulnerable and marginalized population continues to have difficulty accessing essential services such as palliation and end-of-life care. More needs to be accomplished in this area, as dying with dignity is a right that all Canadians should share.