Individuals experiencing homelessness are at higher risk for complex health conditions and often have nowhere to heal safely when they are discharged from a hospital impatient admission. Care providers and hospital discharge planners struggle to find safe and appropriate (i.e., non-shelter) referrals for these patients to rest and recuperate. This represents a serious, persistent, and expensive challenge for ill patients at risk of homelessness who need access to care and supportive follow-up services. Without a safe place to recover following hospital discharge, patients experiencing homelessness have a high likelihood of using hospitals at higher rates and for longer periods of time.
Categories:
Financing a Medical Respite Care Program, Medical Respite, Medical Respite Care, Policy and Advocacy, Policy Issues