Homeless Nursing: Tackling the challenges of winter care

Winter poses significant risks for people experiencing homelessness. Cold weather, limited access to warm shelters, and associated health complications make homeless individuals more vulnerable to respiratory infections, hypothermia, and other cold-related illnesses that can severely impact their overall wellbeing.

Dom Lenaghan, Homeless Nursing Lead for Homeless Health in Wandsworth and Hammersmith and Fulham, participated in an insightful interview with Nursing in Practice to discuss the unique challenges of providing care for individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly during the winter months.

In the interview, Dom Lenaghan highlighted the significant risks faced by this vulnerable population, emphasising the importance of trauma-informed care and the need to adapt services to meet their evolving needs. He also explained how erratic weather patterns create challenges for homeless nursing teams in preparing to address the diverse health requirements of homeless individuals. Additionally, the discussion underscored the need for targeted interventions, coupled with innovative and 'out-of-the-box' thinking, to tackle health inequalities and meet the unique needs of this population.

CLCH nurses play a vital role in delivering care to individuals experiencing homelessness. Through proactive outreach and person-centred care, these nurses address a wide range of health and care needs, from managing chronic conditions to providing mental health support.

To learn more about the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness in winter and the essential role of our nurses, read the full article on the Nursing in Practice website.