Deaconess Health System - Homeless Medical Respite Program

What is it?

Deaconess Health System partnered with United Caring Services (a men’s homeless shelter) to create a six-bed Homeless Medical Respite Program (HMRP). The purpose of the program is to reduce hospital readmission rates for the homeless population and connect the men with community/homeless services.

Who is it for?

Homeless men who need a safe, sanitary place to recover following an inpatient hospital stay. The men must meet admission criteria to be referred to HMRP.

Why do they do it?

Before this program, physicians would discharge the men to their previous environment. Without sanitation, medication management or support services, these patients would return to the hospital quickly.

Impact

From November 2014 to July 2015, 29 men spent a collective total of 898 nights in the respite. Upon discharge from the respite, 10 men had permanent supportive housing and two went to a nursing home. Readmission rates for the men were cut in half. Plans are being made to expand the HMRP to women. For more information, click here.

Contact: Ashley Johnson
Corporate Communications Specialist
Telephone: 812-450-7520
Email: ashley.johnson@deaconess.com