Activated Respite: COVID-19 Isolation

• Motel room provided for those who are unable to isolate due to currently sheltering in group environments, such as congregate shelters or encampments
• Double-occupancy rooms (most likely 1 roommate)
• Meals provided
• Low-acuity health monitoring and support for COVID-19 symptoms
• Limited day-time on-site integrated health support provided by the Coalition
• 24/7 on-site operational support provided by Salvation Army and safety staff
• Length of stay is determined by CDC Isolation Guidelines and health care staff expertise, and is only related to COVID symptoms or status
• This is a voluntary program; clients may decline admission or leave mid-program. Please inform your client/patient they will have difficulty accessing any homeless services for a 10-day period, including food and shelter resources with a COVID-19 positive test.

Activated Respite does not provide services for the following: 

• Repeat Positives (within 90 days) 
• Traditional or Medical Respite, that referral form is located HERE
• Quarantine (Close Contacts, Cold Symptoms, Flu Symptoms) 
• High-Acuity Clients who are not safe living completely independently in a motel setting

To be eligible for admission, a client or patient must:

• Currently experiencing homelessness and unable to isolate.
• Reside in Denver County, or is referred by a service provider/hospital partner in Denver County or has a contract with Denver County.  
• Please note that when capacity is reached or is close to full, we are unable to accommodate referrals outside of the Denver area or for non-Denver residents. Capacity changes daily. 
• Has documentation of either new or worsened symptoms of COVID-19 within the last 7-10 days OR has a positive test result within the last 7-10 days.
• Independent with ADLS (able to remain safe alone and get around on their own) and able to ask for help if needed.
• Able to self-administer all medications.
• Medically stable and have low acuity needs.

The Activated Respite Referral Form is available HERE.  

You must fill out this form for any Activated Respite referral. Faxes, emails via hospital message systems, calls/verbal referrals, or other methods will not be processed for initial referral submission. Please ensure you provide a direct phone number and a direct email address. If we are unable to contact someone about coordination or follow-up information is needed, it may result in delays or inability to approve and coordinate a referral. 

• Referrals are processed seven days a week from 8:00am – 5:00pm by Integrated Health Care team member. Referrals received after 5:00pm will be processed ASAP the next day. 
• Assessment of COVID-19 symptoms or test results, as well as client/patient safety criteria are considered for admission 
• Client/patient’s verbal consent required 
• Wait times can vary depending on number of program requests though we try to get back to referral sources within an hour when able. During surge times this can be longer. If it has been longer than an hour since submission, please call 303-312-9800 or email activatedrespite@coloradocoalition.org for follow-up. We will get to your referral as soon as we are able. 

HOSPITAL PARTNERS
Quick Discharge & Referral Planning Checklist:

• Patient must have a COVID-19 test performed and positive or pending.
• Oxygen must be coordinated by hospitals before discharge.
• Patient must have all mediations sent with them, including a 48-hours supply filled by hospital resource/pharmacy.
• No high-acuity medical care, high-acuity behavioral/psych concerns, or active/impending substance withdrawal

For detailed information, refer to the Hospital and Testing Site Protocol for Activated Respite Referrals Guide for details HERE.

Note: If the patient is determined to be unsafe for low acuity respite in a motel room, the patient will be transported back to the sending facility.

SHELTER PARTNERS
Shelter Service Provider Planning:

• Encourage mask wearing for both client & staff
• Wash your hands and wear gloves if available when assisting client or their belongings
• Have the client isolate in a separate room if available, or at least social distance 6-12 feet away from others while waiting for transportation
• Activated Respite team will support transportation coordination; please do not arrange for your own staff or a taxi to transport client without proper personal protective equipment

For detailed information, refer to the Homeless Service Providers Activated Respite Referral Guide available HERE. 

Note: If the patient is determined to be unsafe for low acuity respite in a motel room, the recommendation from the integrated health team may be to send the client to the hospital.