Homeless Healthcare with Dr Andrew Davies

HOMELESS? YOU’RE LIKELY TO DIE AT 50.

The average age of death for people who are homeless is 50 years, contrasting with the general Australian population median age of 81.7 years: a 30 year gap in the median age of death.

Why? Locally, nationally, and internationally there is a strong evidence-base confirming that health issues are a cause of homelessness and that deteriorating health is a major factor which keeps people trapped in long-term homelessness. This can become a revolving hospital door experienced by many people who are homeless and reducing their life expectancy. People who are homeless are also likely to have multiple morbidities at once – that is multiple symptoms or conditions of disease or illness.

Homeless Healthcare is the largest specialist homelessness primary care service in Australia, providing mobile street services, a drop-in clinic, services to people recently housed and a respite centre for people who have recently been discharged from hospital.

Dr Andrew Davies is at the coalface of caring for people who are homeless and sees first-hand the reasons for such a low life expectancy amongst people who are homeless.

He will shed light on this shocking problem in our community and how we can do better in helping people live longer.