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The dying homeless person is not uncommon. Unlike most of us, who die at home or in hospital, surrounded by family and friends, those whom we love and who love us, the dying homeless often appear to be dying alone, and are in reality dying alone. Surviving in impoverished surroundings, having long left all semblance of family behind, having little contact with society, these people often rely for their final support on those who, through their professional work, or as caring human beings in their own right, have developed and maintained a relationship with them, a commitment to them. Death, and the process of dying, is the final phase of life. It calls for a special kind of sensitivity, respect, affirmation of human dignity, and a willingness to accept the dying person irrespective of their state of mind. In contemplating this, it's worth examining your own feelings and emotions as well, given that your way of handling this special situation will often be guided by these feelings and emotions.
The dying homeless person's mind is filled with a myriad of emotions, encompassing shock, depression, anger, regret, sadness, and the ambivalence of acceptance and denial. Examine and empathise with all these struggles, and consider what this person may need to make dying more acceptable and more meaningful. Consider that there may be issues that the person needs and wants to resolve. In particular, think about relationships with the person's parents, partner, children, or others. Consider what you can do in a practical way to help. With your suggestions, give the person the space to leave their concerns for the moment, ignore them, or deal with them. The most important thing is that they die in peace, comfort, and with dignity.
Anger may be displaced to health care workers, support staff, or family and friends. If this occurs, try to make the dying person aware of this natural reaction. Don't react negatively. The person's hope that things will 'work out' may help to maintain a sense of positivity about the situation. If needed, at an appropriate time, health care workers can confidently reassure the person that their death will be pain free and with support, either in a hospice (a small hospital for the terminally ill such as Caritas Christi Hospice in Kew) or at home with intensive support from palliative care nursing.