Affiliations: Health Care for the Homeless, Baltimore, MD USA
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Chauna Brocht, Health Care for the Homeless, 421 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA. Tel.: +1 443 909 9917; E-mail: chaunabrocht@gmail.com.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Medical respite programs provide a safe place for people experiencing homelessness to recover from an acute illness or injury. Many patients in respite programs have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that impedes their ability to complete the self-management tasks necessary to recover from an acute medical condition. Patients with brain injuries may also have behavioral problems that are difficult to manage in a medical respite setting. OBJECTIVE:This paper describes the experiences of one medical respite program in screening, assessing, and treating patients experiencing homelessness who have traumatic brain injuries. METHODS:Services by clinical providers were tailored to better address needs of those with a history of TBI, as well as implementation of environmental modifications. Two retrospective case studies were completed to illustrate the importance of addressing TBIs in respite programs. RESULTS:Modifications to programming can improve patient outcomes and assist in transitioning patients to appropriate community resources. CONCLUSIONS:Identifying and treating patients with TBIs in respite programs can result in long-term positive benefits for patients.
Keywords: Homelessness, rehabilitation, self-management, medical respite program, homeless shelter
