University of Victoria study of homeless and vulnerable discovers they only get care when they're about to die

UVic researchers found the homeless they followed during the study only received the best healthcare available when they had reached the end of their lives. Many participants were often told by doctors and providers that their lifestyles of addiction, poverty and homelessness could lead to an early death, but early diagnosis of potential conditions was limited. The study recommends better training throughout the healthcare system to inform providers about the barriers to care endured by marginalized people, including end-of-life support. It also calls for improved polices to help health workers understand why the homeless avoid care and aren't getting treatment for life-threatening conditions until it's too late.