May 16, 2024
The first-of-its-kind report aims to make people aware of the connection between housing and healthcare, pointing to several ways that housing investments can also benefit Canada’s strained healthcare system. The Lawson Health Research Institute’s national numbers show about 30,000 people last year who were admitted to the hospital lived without housing before and after hospital care, leading to increased healthcare needs. Key findings from this study show:
- The average length of stay for people experiencing homelessness was 15.4 days, compared with the national eight-day average;
- About 12% of patients had hospital stays of more than one month;
- The average cost per stay was $16,800, compared with the national average of $7,800;
- Substance use, schizophrenic disorders and cellulitis (a bacterial infection) are the three most common reasons for hospital stays;
- Of these patients, 93% were admitted to hospital after an ED visit.
In London, Ont. hospitals partnered with social agencies so people aren't discharged into homelessness and those in hospital are given priority for housing.