Nanette

Nanette had been unhoused for seven years when she entered Stroger Hospital for a severe recurring infection that put her at risk of needing an amputation. Fortunately, prompt inpatient medication treatment saved her foot; she lost only one toe and sections of surrounding skin. While Nanette healed from surgery, Dr. Keiki Hinami, an internal medicine specialist and Medical Director of the RISE Center, learned of her homelessness and stopped by to talk about medical respite services.

As Dr. Hinami explained the dual focus of the RISE Center - a safe and stable place to fully recuperate as well as support and resources to find permanent housing – Nanette knew this was a great opportunity and quickly said yes. The RISE nursing team began to oversee her full recuperation, taught her how to care for her wound and self care to avoid further infection. She also started working with the Center’s behavioral health counselor, who helped her to address the trauma that came from years of being unhoused. As she healed, her case manager worked with Nanette to create a plan to find a home in the community.

After three months at the RISE Center, Nanette has met all her medical goals and is excited about her next steps as she looks for an apartment. When asked about her experience, her face brightens, and she replies that she has never been treated with such lack of judgement before. “Everyone accepted me and wanted to help me. They made me feel like I could rise.”

RISE is an acronym for Recuperation in a Supportive Environment. But now that Nanette points it out, we like the double meaning!