Improving Care for Medically Complex Patients: Medical Respite & Supportive Housing

Medical respite programs are as unique as the individuals and communities they serve. From shelter-based care to stand-alone facilities, medical respite provides a transition for those exiting the hospital who have no permanent residence and are not well enough to return to the street. Hospital partners have seen the benefit of medical respite programs as they not only stabilize health needs, but also reduce hospital readmissions. In addition to providing necessary care, this transitional step is an
opportunity to connect vulnerable individuals to permanent housing.

This profile highlights two programs that have exemplified how medical respite care can be an effective bridge to supportive housing. Strong involvement between the health center and their local Continuum of Care, including through the coordinated assessment process, results in high rates of discharge to supportive housing.

This project was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under cooperative agreement number # U30CS26935, Training and Technical Assistance National Cooperative Agreement (NCA) for $325,000 with 0% of the total NCA project financed with non-federal sources. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

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