Important Note: We have conducted further testing of the Fidelity Measure, and a new version of this white paper is coming soon.
Medical respite care is defined as acute and post-acute care for people experiencing homelessness who are too ill or frail to recover from a physical illness or injury on the streets or in shelter, but who are not ill enough to be in a hospital. While programs vary in size and structure, they all share the same fundamental elements: short-term residential care that allows people experiencing homelessness the opportunity to rest, recover, and heal in a safe environment while accessing medical care and other supportive services. Medical respite care (also referred to as recuperative care) has grown substantially since its inception, as more communities are recognizing the need for programs that address gaps in affordable housing and health care. As the field grows, so does the need for resources for programs and providers to ensure the clients who access medical respite services are receiving safe and quality care.