Grant: Project Grant

Homelessness is on the rise across Canada. People experiencing homelessness (PEH) have average annual health care costs that are 6 times higher than the general population, largely due to hospitalizations for serious physical health conditions. When PEH are ready for discharge, the lack of a safe and supportive place for them to recuperate often leads to unnecessarily prolonged hospital stays, worsening health conditions and high rates of readmission. The Recuperative Health Space (RHS) is a short-term transitional bed program for PEH recovering from illness or injury after their hospital treatment ends. This 18-bed facility, located in the community, will provide PEH who are being discharged from St. Michael's Hospital (Toronto) with a supportive environment where they can stay for a period of recuperation of up to 3 months. People admitted to the RHS will receive health care and home care services, case management, connection to social services, and support to transition to a shelter or housing at the end of their stay. This study will use a randomized controlled trial design to determine if the RHS reduces total days in hospital and total health care costs over a 1-year period among PEH who have been admitted to hospital. The study will also qualitatively examine patient experiences during their RHS stay, as well as the longer-term effects of the RHS on the health status and housing situation of residents. This research will provide evidence on a promising social and health program model that has potential to improve the wellbeing of PEH and benefit the health care system.