Feasibility of Advance Care Planning in Primary Care for Homeless Adults

Objectives: As the homeless population ages, it is imperative to improve access to advance care planning (ACP) and document preferences in case medical decision-making capacity is lost. Methods: We implemented an ACP Project to discuss and document advance care plans with all patients aged 45 and older who received primary care at our adult Homeless Program clinics. Results: Over 14 months, ACP was discussed with 48% (n = 138) of the population and health care proxy (HCP) appointment with 91% (n = 125) of these patients. Most (62%; n = 77) appointed a HCP from personal relationships, though a significant minority (38%; n = 48) could not and were considered “surrogateless.” End-of-life preferences varied. Approximately 20% of patients wanted to defer to a surrogate for each decision. Discussion: ACP is feasible in primary care for adults who have experienced homelessness and should be incorporated into routine care.