In Salt Lake City, medical respite programs have emerged as a pivotal solution for addressing the healthcare needs of homeless individuals. They also reduce healthcare expenditures.
These programs offer short-term residential care for homeless individuals recovering from illness or medical procedures.
They get to recuperate in a safe environment instead of being on the streets or overcrowded shelters.
Significant Cost Savings and Improved Health Outcomes
A recent study focusing on The INN Between, a medical respite facility in Salt Lake City, revealed substantial benefits:
- Reduced Hospital Utilization: Participants experienced a 91% decrease in hospital usage. This indicates that medical respite care effectively addresses health issues that would otherwise lead to costly hospital visits.
- Financial Savings: Since its inception in 2015, The INN Between has saved local hospitals approximately $30.5 million, with $6.4 million saved in the last fiscal year alone. This equates to an estimated $47,110 in medical cost savings per patient annually.
- Enhanced Patient Compliance: The program reported a 92% increase in follow-up appointment attendance. This ensures continuity of care and reducing the likelihood of medical complications.