Shelter Association Recuperative Care Re-opening in Washtenaw County
July 14, 2021
(Ann Arbor, MI)- The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) has received funding from the CDC Foundation (CDCF) and the National Institute for Medical Respite Care (NIMRC) to re-open a six-bed Recuperative Care program at a local hotel. The provision of non-congregate shelter in hotels is an evidence-based best practice to minimize the risk of COVID-19 for medically fragile persons. SAWC is currently working on reconnecting with hospital referral partners and executed a program launch with Packard Health in June 0f 2021
The Recuperative Care program first opened at the Robert J. Delonis Center in August 2019 to provide immediate shelter and part-time nursing support to homeless persons discharged from hospitals but needing post-acute care. Along with improving health outcomes, Recuperative Care is aimed to reduce hospital stays, provide patient education and healing, and work to find permanent housing for each single adult. Until March 2020, the Shelter Association Recuperative Care program served 25 clients in partnership with Packard Health. Due to the COVID-19 crisis response, SAWC closed the Recuperative Care program in March 2020 to better protect medically fragile persons.
The SAWC is one of nine national Recuperative Care programs that have received funding from the $1.6 million CDC Foundation grant opportunity. In partnership with the National Institute for Medical Respite Care, the CDC Foundation funding enables programs to mitigate barriers to care resulting from inadequate facilities or physical space; insufficient staffing and personnel; and insufficient medical equipment.
The Shelter Association’s Program Director, Kate D’Alessio, shares: “Our team would not have been able to re-open the program without these funds. Our shelter and community partners are grateful for the CDCF/NIMRC award. Recuperative Care is needed now more than ever to protect the most vulnerable persons from COVID-19.” For future funding considerations, please contact Sarah Paspal-Jasinski at paspals@washtenaw.org
