Recuperative Care

The goal of Recuperative Care is to help individuals recover safely and prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions or emergency room visits when they lack the support needed for proper healing at home. Also referred to as medical respite care, recuperative care provides short-term residential support for individuals who no longer need hospital care but still require a safe, clean place to heal from an illness, injury, or behavioral health condition. This ensures they receive the necessary follow-up care in an environment that promotes healing and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is a recuperative care home?

A recuperative care home provides temporary housing and support for individuals recovering from medical conditions, such as surgery or illness, who lack a supportive place to heal. Our homes are part of California’s Medi-Cal CalAIM initiative, which focuses on improving health outcomes for underserved populations by offering non-clinical, home-based recovery environments. Recuperative care homes are not medical facilities, shelters, or recovery residences focused on people coming from substance use treatment programs. They are single-family homes where residents can rest and recover with access to supportive services like case management and home health visits during normal hours.

Residents have access to:

  • Clean Water & Stable Utilities – Safe drinking water, heating, air conditioning, and electricity ensure a comfortable and hygienic living space.
  • Supportive Staff – Trained staff assist with wound care, medication reminders, and coordinating follow-up medical appointments to ensure residents heal properly.
  • Secure & Structured Housing – House rules promote a quiet, drug- and alcohol-free environment, reducing risks and ensuring a peaceful setting for recovery.
  • Nutritious Meals & Hygiene Support – Residents receive proper meals and assistance with daily activities, helping them regain strength.

2. Who will live in this home?

The residents are individuals referred by healthcare providers who need a supportive and stable place to recover after a hospital stay or medical treatment. This home is no different from any other single-family residence in the neighborhood and must be treated as such under fair housing laws.

Due to their disabilities and chronic health conditions, these individuals are part of a protected class and target populations defined by California and federal fair housing laws, which prohibit discrimination based on health status or other protected characteristics.

🔗 Providing Integrated, Community-Based Settings for Individuals with Disabilities

3. Is this home licensed or permitted?

No special license or permit is required for this home because no clinical treatment is performed on-site. It operates as a single-family residence where individuals can recover in a supportive environment. Home health workers may visit during normal hours to provide medical care, but the home itself does not function as a medical facility.

4. How is the home managed?

Our recuperative care homes are professionally managed by trained staff, including healthcare workers and case managers. Staff and leaders visit periodically throughout the day to provide care, enforce rules, and address any issues that may arise. Additionally, the property is monitored 24/7 via video security systems that can be accessed remotely to ensure safety for both residents and neighbors.

5. Will this increase crime or disrupt the neighborhood?

No. There is no evidence that supportive housing like recuperative care homes increase crime or disrupt neighborhoods. Studies have shown that well-managed programs like this contribute positively to communities by addressing public health needs and reducing strain on emergency services.

Historical data from our medical respite program operations show a minimal impact on law enforcement resources. In fact, zero law enforcement calls about or from our medical respite program were recorded since we began offering the service. The focus of these homes is recovery and stability for medical conditions, and residents are carefully referred by healthcare providers based on their readiness for this environment. They are then thoroughly reviewed by our own internal team before we choose to accept them.

🔗 Examining the Argument that Building Affordable Housing Increases Crime

6. How will this affect property values?

Research indicates that properly managed homes like these have no negative impact on property values. In fact, these homes often improve community well-being by addressing systemic issues in a thoughtful and organized manner.

🔗 Impact of Supportive Housing on Neighborhood Crime and Property Values

7. Will there be traffic or noise issues?

Recuperative care homes typically generate minimal traffic and noise. Residents are focused on healing, and staff visits occur during regular hours. The home operates quietly to maintain a peaceful environment for residents and neighbors alike. No visitors are allowed.

8. Why was this location chosen?

This location was selected based on its suitability for creating a peaceful environment and its accessibility to healthcare services. The goal is to integrate into residential communities while providing a supportive space for healing.

9. Are there rules or guidelines for residents?

Yes, residents must adhere to house rules designed to ensure safety, respect, and a supportive environment for all occupants. These rules include maintaining cleanliness, respecting neighbors, and complying with any program requirements set by staff.

10. What benefits does this bring to our community?

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

  • 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.

  • Frees up Hospital Beds:

    Hospitals often face capacity issues, particularly in acute care and emergency departments. Recuperative care homes 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.

  • Cost Savings:

    Recuperative care is generally less expensive than hospital stays. By transferring patients to recuperative care homes, 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.

  • Improves Patient Outcomes:

    Providing a supportive environment for healing can improve patient outcomes. Recuperative care homes 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.

  • Enhances Patient Satisfaction:

    Patients often prefer to recover in a less clinical and more comfortable environment. Recuperative care homes 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.

  • 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.

  • Supports Comprehensive Care Management:

    Recuperative care homes 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 Anchor Co-Living receive Enhanced Care Management along with a range of other wraparound services to prevent future unplanned visits to the hospital.

By supporting individuals during their healing process, these homes promote healthier communities overall.