Advance Care Planning in Permanent Supportive Housing

Advance care planning helps people plan for medical care that aligns with their wishes in the event that they become seriously ill and cannot speak for themselves or at the end of life. Through this process, people can choose someone they trust to make decisions on their behalf, such as a friend or family member, and document the kind of care they would want to receive. 

Adults who have experienced homelessness face high rates of illness and premature death, yet prior research shows that few have discussed or documented their ACP wishes. One way to reach this group is by offering ACP in permanent supportive housing communities for older adults, but limited staffing and resources can make these programs difficult for providers to run.

In this randomized controlled trial, BHHI researchers are:

• Measuring the effectiveness of group vs. one-on-one sessions among older adults living in PSH.
• Working closely with a Community Advisory Board (CAB)—PSH residents, staff members, and organizational leaders—to explore challenges and solutions.

Once complete, this research will help inform the design and implementation of future ACP program in PSH buildings.