St. Joseph Health, Humboldt County Hailed for Providing Respite Care to the Homeless

Eureka, CA (December 1^st, 2017) – St. Joseph Health, Humboldt County was recently recognized by the American Hospital Association (AHA) for providing innovative medical respite care through its transitional care program. The AHA released a special report focused on housing and the role hospitals play in the success of the overall health of a community. St. Joseph Health, Humboldt County’s transitional care program was featured as a case study alongside four other hospitals from across the nation.

The transitional care program is part of St. Joseph Health, Humboldt County’s Community Benefit department and aims to reduce readmission rates by providing a nurse, social worker and health coach to help patients and caregivers make a smooth and successful transition from hospital to home.

Medical respite is for homeless individuals who are being discharged from the hospital, and who need the opportunity to rest in a safe, healing environment while accessing medical care and other supportive services. The care transitions team provides care coordination, case management and transitional assistance to respite clients throughout their stay. Services range from providing medical education and coaching, case management, resource referrals, transportation assistance and attending follow-up doctor visits.

“The patients that we work with often feel invisible and broken, and often very ashamed,” said Joy Victorine, program manager, Care Transitions. “We meet people where they are – without judgment and we listen.”

According to Victorine, this program has given many patients hope for recovery. In addition to being featured in the AHA report, Victorine narrated a video describing the plight of patients seeking post hospital care. The video can be seen at the following link: www.hpoe.org/resources/ahahret-guides/3063.

To learn more about the transitional care program offered through St. Joseph Hospital and Redwood Memorial Hospital, visit www.stjoehumboldt.org/for-community/care-transitions-program/