Alexandra Stewart

Topic

“Care is Connection”: How Place Shapes Experiences of Care for Precariously Housed Adults Nearing End-of-Life

Social Dimensions of Health

Date & location

• Monday, May 5, 2025
• 9:00 A.M.
• Hut R, Room 103A

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Denise Cloutier, Department of Geography, University of Victoria (Co-Supervisor)
• Dr. Kelli Stajduhar, School of Nursing, UVic (Co-Supervisor)
• Dr. Damien Contandriopoulos, School of Nursing, UVic (Member)

External Examiner

• Dr. Reuben Rose-Redwood, Department of Geography, UVic

Chair of Oral Examination

• Prof. Malcolm Gaston, School of Public Administration, UVic

Abstract

As the social determinants of health literature highlight, housing is more than a physical space; it is a critical foundation for social connectivity and healthcare access. Stable housing supports the development of community connections, which are linked to enhanced well-being and a better quality of life. Furthermore, these connections fulfill a vital function in the context of end-of-life care. Conversely, for adults who are precariously housed, inadequate housing may disrupt the ability to engage with their communities, resulting in social isolation and adverse end-of-life care experiences. As such, housing stability plays a vital role in facilitating or limiting social connections. Drawing on observational fieldnotes and qualitative interviews, this study examined the role of ‘place’ in shaping experiences of care for unstably housed adults nearing end-of-life guided by a geographic and health equity lens. The findings reveal that social connection and supportive relationships were seen as central to participants’ sense of home and experiences of care. Meanwhile, displacement and frequent transitions illustrate how disrupted connections can impact quality of life and restrict access to social support at end-of-life. In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of social connection, community support and sense of place in fostering more equitable end-of-life care experiences for precariously housed adults.