For individuals experiencing homelessness, recovering from medical treatments can be an immense challenge. Discharge from a hospital often leads back to the streets, hindering proper healing and increasing the likelihood of readmission. Recognizing this critical gap in care, Loyola Medicine, through MacNeal Hospital, partners with organizations like Housing Forward to offer a vital lifeline: the Sojourner House medical respite program. Since 2019, Sojourner House has been providing a safe haven for these vulnerable patients to recuperate, and recent accessibility upgrades are further enhancing its ability to serve those in need.
“Access has been a big issue for patients navigating in and out of the house,” explains Charles Bareis, MD, chief medical officer at MacNeal Hospital. He highlights the difficulties faced by patients with mobility limitations, such as those with leg wounds, amputations, fractures, septic joints, or heart failure, when encountering stairs. The installation of lifts both inside and outside Sojourner House marks a significant improvement, ensuring safer and easier access for all patients. This enhancement underscores the program’s commitment to providing comprehensive care that addresses not only medical needs but also physical accessibility.
The Loyola Medicine shelter care program, embodied by Sojourner House, directly tackles the cycle of homelessness and poor health outcomes. Without such medical respite, individuals are often caught in a revolving door of emergency departments and hospital readmissions. Sojourner House breaks this cycle by offering a stable and supportive environment where patients can focus on recovery after hospital discharge. The program’s core mission is to improve patient outcomes, decrease reliance on emergency services, and facilitate connections to long-term healthcare solutions. Once patients are medically stable, the program actively works to transition them to permanent supportive housing, fostering long-term stability and well-being.
Sojourner House emerged from a recognized need within suburban Cook County. While medical respite programs existed in neighboring DuPage County and the city of Chicago, a similar service was absent in the communities served by MacNeal Hospital. Dr. Bareis, recognizing this critical service gap, collaborated with Housing Forward and the Oak Park housing authority to establish Sojourner House. The housing authority played a crucial role by renovating a 105-year-old house, transforming it into individual apartments designed to promote patient independence during their recovery period. This adaptive reuse of existing housing stock demonstrates a resourceful approach to addressing the needs of the homeless population.
Dr. Bareis’s dedication to the program extends beyond its establishment. He remains actively involved, conducting weekly rounds at Sojourner House and collaborating closely with Housing Forward’s community nurse, Arletta Curtis, to coordinate patient care. The program delivers comprehensive at-home medical services, including IV therapy, physical and occupational therapy, ensuring patients receive the necessary medical attention in a comfortable setting. Beyond medical care, Sojourner House addresses nutritional needs through food provisions from Beyond Hunger and MacNeal’s Food Surplus Program, complemented by nutritional counseling. Crucially, case managers are integrated into the program to assist patients with medical appointments and, importantly, to guide them in preparing for life beyond Sojourner House, including securing stable, long-term housing.
The impact of Sojourner House resonates deeply with its residents. Holly Rotman-Zaid, director of medical respite at Housing Forward, shares the profound sentiment often expressed by patients: “‘you saved my life.'” This powerful statement encapsulates the transformative effect of the program, offering not just shelter but also renewed hope for a better future. Sojourner House provides a foundation upon which individuals can rebuild their lives.
Thomas, a Sojourner House resident, is a testament to this transformative impact. Following severe injuries requiring neurosurgery, he found refuge and recovery at Sojourner House. He credits the program and Dr. Bareis with providing him a second chance at life. His journey toward stability continues through Housing Forward’s Permanent Housing Program, which offers specialized support for individuals facing substance abuse and mental health challenges. Thomas’s story exemplifies the program’s ability to facilitate significant life changes for its residents.
Beyond individual support, Sojourner House fosters a sense of community. Housing Forward staff actively cultivate a supportive environment, organizing holiday and birthday celebrations in the house’s common area, which also features a library of donated books. This focus on community building creates a stable and nurturing environment, essential for patients as they navigate their recovery and transition towards independent living.
“We work hard at creating trauma-informed care,” emphasizes Rotman-Zaid. Recognizing that patients often arrive with the compounded trauma of homelessness and medical issues, the program prioritizes acceptance and empowerment. The staff at Sojourner House are dedicated to meeting individuals where they are, providing tailored support, and guiding them towards taking a proactive role in their own lives. This trauma-informed approach is integral to the program’s success in fostering healing and long-term well-being for its residents, solidifying Loyola Medicine’s commitment to community health and compassionate care for vulnerable populations through the Sojourner House shelter care program.
