What is Recuperative Care?

The goal of Recuperative Care is to reduce risk of re-hospitalization or emergency room visits if an individual is at risk due to lack of support/unstable home environment and additional support needs.

Recuperative Care, also referred to as medical respite care, is short-term residential care for individuals who no longer require hospitalization, but still need to heal from an injury or illness (including behavioral health conditions - of which EPH focuses on SUD and cooccurring mental health issues) and whose condition would be exacerbated by an unstable living environment.  

An extended stay in a recovery care setting allows individuals to continue their recovery and receive post-discharge treatment while obtaining access to primary care, behavioral health services, case management and other supportive social services, such as transportation, food, and housing.  Please note EPH only provides housing at the current time - once contracted with CalAIM will provide additional services.

At a minimum, the service will include interim housing with a bed and meals and ongoing monitoring of the individual’s ongoing medical or behavioral health condition (e.g., monitoring of vital signs, assessments, wound care, medication monitoring).  Please note EPH only provides housing at the current time - once contracted with CalAIM will provide additional services.

Short-Term Post-Hospitalization Housing 

This service is provided to eligible individuals exiting Recuperative Care, or the Emergency Department, or other residential treatment facilities.  This service includes interim housing while clients receive continued support for recovery.

Benefits of Recuperative Care to Hospitals

Recuperative care offers significant benefits to hospitals by addressing the needs of patients who are medically stable but require a safe and supportive environment for recovery. Here are some key advantages:

1. Reduces Hospital Readmissions

Recuperative care helps prevent unnecessary readmissions by providing continued care and support to patients who are not yet ready to recover independently at home. By ensuring these patients receive the appropriate care, hospitals can reduce the risk of complications and subsequent readmissions.

2. Frees Up Hospital Beds

Hospitals often face capacity issues, particularly in acute care and emergency departments. Recuperative care facilities allow hospitals to discharge patients who no longer require intensive medical care but still need a safe place to recuperate. This helps free up valuable hospital beds for patients with more critical needs.

3. Cost Savings

Recuperative care is generally less expensive than hospital stays. By transferring patients to recuperative care facilities, hospitals can reduce their overall costs. This also helps lower the financial burden on the healthcare system by decreasing the length of costly hospital stays.

4. Improves Patient Outcomes

Providing a supportive environment for recovery can improve patient outcomes. Recuperative care facilities offer comprehensive services, including medical care coordination, medication management, and assistance with daily living activities. These services help ensure that patients recover fully and safely, leading to better long-term health outcomes.

5. Enhances Patient Satisfaction

Patients often prefer to recover in a less clinical and more comfortable environment. Recuperative care facilities provide a homelike setting, which can enhance patient satisfaction and overall experience. Satisfied patients are more likely to follow post-discharge care plans, leading to better health outcomes.

6. Reduces Emergency Room Overcrowding

By ensuring that patients who are ready for discharge have a place to go, recuperative care helps reduce overcrowding in emergency rooms. This allows hospitals to better manage emergency services and allocate resources more efficiently.

7. Supports Comprehensive Care Management

Recuperative care facilities often work closely with hospitals to ensure a smooth transition and comprehensive care management. This collaboration helps maintain continuity of care, ensuring that patients receive consistent and coordinated services throughout their recovery. Patients referred to Empowering Potential Housing receive Enhanced Care Management along with a range of other wraparound services to prevent future unplanned visits to the hospital.