Case Studies

All names have been changed to protect the identities of the clients.

Case Study 1 – A Couple Living in a Vehicle

The Johnsons are an older couple experiencing homelessness and living in their vehicle. They were originally located when Health One was looking for an unrelated client in late 2020. The crew provided the couple with snacks and water and was informed that they were being outreached but had been unable to find housing together. Health One case managers recognized that the husband, “Charles,” was a veteran and would be eligible for housing through the VA. The couple was provided with a disposable phone and assisted with the process of obtaining documentation. Health One later transported the couple to a VA housing open house and case manager Donna Andrews stayed with the couple throughout the day to ensure smooth processing. CM Andrews provided support in getting an updated social security card for the wife, “Daisy” and coordinated registering Charles with the King County Veteran's Program. The team continued coordination with medical and service appointments over the next several weeks, when the housing application was approved. A VA social worker provided transport for the couple to their new apartment, and CM Andrews assisted with the move-in. After 17 years of living on the streets, the couple is finally housed.

Case Study 2 – Frequent Falls

“Jan” was referred to the Health One program after having roughly 9 EMS responses over 2 years. Most of the responses were for falls and did not require further assistance other than help up. After receiving the referral, Health One did some background investigation to find out about her community connections. It was noted that Jan’s home had a bit of clutter and could use assistance with cleaning. The Health One team referred Jan to a partner nonprofit organization who supported her in meeting those goals. Since then, Jan has not required an EMS response for a fall.  

Case Study 3 – A Woman Living in a Tent

A referral was sent to Health One expressing concerns around a client who had recently moved from California, was living in a tent near Lake Washington, and who had an amputated limb. Health One outreached Cheryl at the location identified by the referrer. The team case manager connected with Catholic Community Services (CCS). CCS had a housing opening and offered the bed to Cheryl. Health One assisted Cheryl with packing her items into a rideshare vehicle and transported her to the location. The case manager completed the intake process with Cheryl and the client was accepted into the housing. She was moved in with the assistance of Health One.

Case Study 4

Health One received a referral and Vulnerable Adult Report from Aid 25 for a patient, Angelo, who lived in unsanitary conditions and appeared to be exhibiting self-neglect. The referral to Health One included a phone number for a sister who lived out of state and provided invaluable information on Angelo’s status throughout process.  
  
An intake was completed by the team in the Angelo’s apartment. He was found to have no food, and no access to a toilet or shower facilities due to the toilet overflowing with excrement. A secondary visit by Health One involved assisting Angelo with removing 8 bags of garbage. Health One was informed that APS was in the process of assigning and investigator to Angelo’s case.   
  
Health One provided a burner phone to Angelo, and building management was contacted to coordinate options for cleaning or rehousing. Health One discussed concerns around the unsanitary living conditions with Angelo and coordinated a warm hand-off to the Crisis Solutions Center. Due to the home conditions, Health One worked with CSC to allow for an extended stay.   
  
Angelo was unable to verify income and financial sources. Further coordination with CSC indicated that Angelo would need higher level of care to thrive, and he was discharged home. Health One verified VA benefits and assisted Angelo with getting into transitional housing. 
  
Angelo was taken to an appointment with PCP, who confirmed cognitive impairment. Health One assisted Angelo with getting a COVID test, medication, setting up an intake appointment with an assisted living facility, and transport to the intake appointment. Upon acceptance, the team coordinated with the commissary to decontaminate and move his belongings into his new home. 
  
In most recent visit, the client is thriving and expressed being happy, gaining a bit of weight, and getting a haircut.