Many states and local communities are seeking cost-effective alternatives to inpatient hospital stays while at the same time trying to improve the health of vulnerable populations and reduce homelessness. People experiencing homelessness have significant health care needs and use hospitals at higher rates and for longer periods of time than their housed counterparts. Unfortunately, because they lack housing, hospital discharge planners often have difficulty finding a safe and appropriate venue for these patients to rest and recuperate after they no longer need acute care. Medical respite care programs can help solve this problem, and offer a better venue for more comprehensive case management and care transitions planning.
Categories:
Medical Respite Care, Policy and Advocacy, Policy Issues