Recuperative care (also known as medical respite) is a not-for-profit program that offers healthcare providers a safe place to discharge homeless patients when they no longer require hospitalization but still need to heal from an illness or injury. The concept was propelled by widely publicized “inappropriate discharge” incidents; implementation of the Affordable Care Act penalties to prevent hospital re-admission within 30 days; and Medicaid expansion, which opened up a new source of funding in states that chose to participate.
These facilities allow individuals to continue their recovery and receive treatment for minor illnesses while case managers facilitate access to primary care, behavioral health services and other supportive social services, such as transportation, food and housing.
Recuperative care saves taxpayer dollars, costs significantly less than extended hospital stays and leads to fewer hospital re-admissions. Clients served are also more likely to find permanent housing.
While recuperative care addresses the gap in healthcare for the homeless who are going back and forth between hospitals and the streets, it is also seen as the gateway to bridge housing, which provides clients with temporary housing while permanent housing is secured. National Health Foundation believes people need basic necessities, such as food and a place to live, before they can move forward with their lives, including getting a job, managing their health and mental health, or discontinuing substance use. Utilizing a Housing First approach, we work with clients to create a plan for achieving long-term stability and independence, along with aftercare support, ensuring they are closer to housing than when they arrive.
In Part I of the Behind the Scenes with Project Roomkey series, you learned about National Health Foundation’s participation in Project Roomkey and our partnership with Chrysalis in providing employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to reconnecting with the workforce. We are thrilled to share Part II of the series where you will hear first-hand […]
It’s been a while since we last saw each other and at National Health Foundation our team has been working diligently to ensure our recuperative care facilities are providing the highest quality of service and support to our guests. If you are interested in touring our facilities but have not been able to because of […]
Even before COVID-19, Los Angeles’ issues of homelessness and the housing crisis were deeply intertwined. At a time when rent prices and unemployment rates are at a record high, with more and more families depending on state and federal support to survive, it comes as no surprise that both issues are at the forefront of […]
