Our Medical Respite Program Offers Members a Safe Place for Recovery

Highmark Wholecare’s Medical Respite program provides recuperative care to Medicaid and Medicare members experiencing homelessness and in need of a safe environment following an inpatient hospitalization. Highmark Wholecare leases two beds at the Bethlehem Haven Medical Respite facility in Pittsburgh to care for these individuals. Members can be admitted to Bethlehem Haven to receive IV antibiotics, wound care, or PT/OT, typically stay no longer than 30 days, and are referred by the hospital discharge planner. Additionally, members can also be admitted to our Medical Respite program for 1-2 weeks for medical stabilization. Medical stabilization services are administered if an individual is experiencing homelessness and meets one or more of the following criteria:

• In need of or recently received a pacemaker placement with the need for follow up appointment
• To wean off oxygen
• A bridge to important follow-up appointments
• In heart failure and in need of a life vest
• Need a home health care RN for education on disease management
• Prepping for colonoscopy/endoscopy
• Receiving a mammogram
• Undergoing cataract surgery
• Starting a new medicine (insulin, blood thinner, seizure medication, HIV medication or diagnosis, blood pressure medication)
• Has been placed on diuretic and in need of daily weights

When members are admitted to Bethlehem Haven, they are connected with a Highmark Wholecare Case Manager to assist with any health plan needs and care planning. Once a member is discharged from the program, however, the typical discharge disposition has been back to a shelter or onto the street. The Allegheny County/Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging (AC/DHS AAA) has worked to develop a housing pilot program to address patients’ need for long-term or permanent housing. This program will work to decrease the cycle of homelessness, while also decreasing emergency department utilization following an inpatient stay. 

Beginning in early 2025, Highmark Wholecare members admitted to our Medical Respite program will be referred to a AC/DHS AAA Care Manager to secure a more permanent housing solution. The Care Manager will meet face-to-face with the member while they are staying at Bethlehem Haven and after discharge until housing goals are met. If a member wants to secure permanent housing, the Care Manager will assist the member with housing applications, securing documentation, and move in, even purchasing essential items for housing.

If you have questions about the Medical Respite program, please reach out to Taylor Wong twong@highmarkwholecare.com. Taylor Wong will be on maternity leave March through May 2025 - during this time, you can direct questions to Christy Nichols cnichols@highmarkwholecare.com.