Medical Respite Center
Where does someone who is experiencing homelessness go after they have been released from a hospital for a serious medical condition, a physical trauma or a surgical procedure?
When someone who is homeless needs to recover from an acute medical condition and still needs medical support, who can help?
Until recently, in Mercer County, there was not an answer to these questions.
Now, thanks to a partnership with Capital Health and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, The Mission has opened a Medical Respite Center where up to four individuals at a time who are experiencing homelessness and been released from a hospital can receive the medical care they need to recover.
Tiffany Livingston-West, one of the nurses in the Medical Respite Center, congratulates Jose after taking his vital signs. Jose came to the Center from Capital Health, after having surgery because of complications from his diabetes.
Cheryl Towns, BSN, RN, who has a long and deep history of providing medical care at The Mission, manages this pilot program, which provides this crucial bridge between hospital care and recovery.
“With compassion, we are providing a comfortable, safe and clean living space, with on-site access to healthcare professionals who tailor care to each individual’s needs,” Cheryl explained. “We are also providing well-balanced, nutritious meals; a personalized recovery plan to connect each individual with community services; and a range of counseling and support services to address the emotional and psychological aspects of recovery.”
Beianka Taylor Gordon, one of the nurses in The Center, said, “We are all called to this work. We know what has to be done. And we just do it.”
Cheryl Towns, Manager of the Medical Respite Center, reviews the importance of Mike’s medications with him. He was released from Capital Health after being treated for congestive heart failure.
Then he came to the Center, where nurses have been helping him arrange his doctor’s appointments, and accompanying him to each visit; his medications are also filled and obtained for him from the pharmacy; and his progress or any setback are monitored daily. Meanwhile, case managers are helping Mike obtain his state identification, get his social security card, and obtain his birth certificate, so he can apply for benefits; and he is being introduced to community resources; so that, hopefully, he will be able to apply for supportive housing.
“I have been homeless before, and been in many different programs,” Mike said. “This is unlike anything I have ever experienced, though. They truly care here. And I am so grateful.”
Nursing care is available
16 hours a day, 7 days a week
To refer or apply, email Cheryl at:
CherylTowns@rmtrenton.org
