Resource Details

A Framework for Medical Respite Care

Year Developed: 2023

Resource Type: Publication.

Primary Audience: Clinicians
Secondary Audience: Administrative Staff Board of Directors C-Suite (CEOs, CFOs, CIO, COOs, CMOs, etc.) Enabling Staff Outreach Staff PCAs

Language(s): English

Developed by: National Health Care for the Homeless Council (See other resources developed by this organization).

Resource Summary: 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 in the 1980’s, 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.

Resource Topic: Clinical Issues, , Special and Vulnerable Populations, Health Equity

Resource Subtopic: Patient Centered Medical Home, , Community, Health, and Housing Partnerships, Social Determinants of Health (SDOH).

Keywords: Access to Care, Care Coordination, Communication, Transparency, and Outreach, Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS), Data Collection, Management, and Analytics, Education of - Staff (e.g., Competency-Based), Health Care Facilities, Health Insurance, Health Systems, Housing, Medicaid, Medicare, Persons Experiencing Homelessness, Residents of Public Housing, Team-Based Care.