Haven Toronto Adds Full-time Nurse To Onsite Services

For the first time since opening in 1933, Haven Toronto has a full-time nurse onsite. Barry Tierney joins Haven Toronto from Booth Supportive Services where he was the Community Case Manager. In addition to several hospital nursing roles, Barry has extensive experience working as Drug and Addiction Nurse in a methadone treatment program and as a clinical nurse in an Alcohol Response and Engagement Program.

The introduction of Barry Tierney is important to the services Haven Toronto provides clients. The drop-in centre is the only facility in Canada dedicated to serving elder men age 50+ impacted by poverty, homelessness and isolation.

Income has long been recognized as one of the most important determinants of health. People with higher incomes and higher socio-economic statuses tend to live longer, have lower rates of illness and injury, and are more likely to report that they have good or excellent health.

People living in poverty have a lower life expectancy and higher rates of illness across a wide spectrum of diseases. Poor health predisposes individuals and families to homelessness and homelessness exposes individuals and families to particular health problems.

Approximately 30 percent of those

experiencing homelessness

suffer from at least two medical conditions.

This likelihood doubles in

individuals aged 50 and over.

Those experiencing homelessness often live in conditions that adversely affect their overall short and long-term health. This also contributes to an increased mortality rate.

Although deaths among individuals experiencing homelessness are occasionally due to freezing, they are mainly the result of injury, and the rigors of street life. Climatic conditions, psychological strain and exposure to communicable disease create and lead to a range of chronic and acute health problems, including injury from cold, tuberculosis, skin diseases, cardio-respiratory disease, nutritional deficiencies, sleep deprivation, musculoskeletal pain and dental trouble.

Being unhoused makes it difficult, and in some cases impossible, to access general health care services.

Individuals experiencing homelessness are unable to obtain medical treatment without a health card (applying for government ID requires permanent address); pay for items not covered by provincial medical or drug insurance plans; receive adequate treatment in cases where their personal appearance alarms health providers; make a health appointment (due lack of an address and phone); and receive coordinated care when comprehensive medical records are not kept in one location with one provider.

Following treatment or hospitalization, an individual experiencing homelessness can have problems with acquiring adequate follow-ups as there may be no place to recuperate and nobody to take the role of a caregiver.

As a result, health care delivery to individuals experiencing homelessness is concentrated in emergency departments, in the core of large urban centers and in the institutions set up to address their lack of shelter and social supports.

Homeless men visit emergency rooms

nine times more than

men in the general population.

There is a need to respond to the acute and chronic health problems of this population and to redirect attention to preventive health.

Whether as a cause or a consequence of ill health, homelessness has emerged as a fundamental health issue for Canadians. Homelessness affects a significant number of Canadians of all ages and is associated with a high burden of illness, yet the health care system may not adequately meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness.

The main barriers to good health, among those experiencing homelessness, include a lack of adequate, safe, accessible and affordable housing that is linked to employability, community support, personal health care and access to health services.

Barry Tierney is one of two new, full-time supports coming to Haven Toronto. A counsellor will be added in the weeks ahead. The additions have been made possible by a grant from the P and L Odette Charitable Foundation.

For years, Haven Toronto has provided housing and crisis counsellors, social workers, part-time nurse practitioners and dental hygienists. Located at Jarvis and Shuter, the drop in centre, which serves thousands annually, is open 365 days a year.

Source: Adapted from Homeless Hub