When Leonardo Ortiz arrived at New Community Extended Care Facility, he was homeless and had just been discharged from the hospital after having a toe amputated following an ulcer in his foot. After receiving care at the facility and coordination with his health insurance, Extended Care staff members were able to discharge him to a new home on Jan. 30.

Ortiz entered Extended Care in October 2022 after leaving Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. He was weak and unable to walk so he participated in physical therapy and received wound care for his foot until it healed completely. Staff members also helped him manage his diabetes.

He is grateful for the treatment he received at Extended Care.

“If it wasn’t for coming here, I would be dead,” he said.

In addition to treating his physical ailments, Extended Care personnel worked with Ortiz and his health insurance company to find him a permanent home. When he was hospitalized, Ortiz was living in a garage used to store his car. Now he lives in an apartment for low-income and disabled individuals in Newark. 

Extended Care’s Social Services Department contacted Ortiz’s health insurance company and they were able to establish home health services for him, including a visiting nurse, and necessary equipment like a blood pressure machine and glucometer. The insurance company also provided furnishings for the apartment, including furniture, kitchen supplies and even clothing.

Licensed Practical Nurse Maria Cruz, who was one of the nurses to care for Ortiz, said she is very happy that Extended Care was able to help him find stable housing and ensure a safe transition upon discharge. Cruz encouraged Ortiz not to rush the discharge process but instead wait until he had everything he needed in the apartment to set him up for success.

Ortiz’s sister is involved in his care and will be helping him with medication administration and making sure he attends doctors’ appointments. As a diabetic, he always needs to manage that condition.

Cruz said the visiting nurse will check his blood pressure and blood sugar levels, as well as make sure he is taking his prescribed medication. He will also have a home health aide who will help with meal prepping because Ortiz doesn’t cook.

“We’re trying to keep the system rolling so he can be safe,” Cruz said.

Ortiz is happy to be in his own home. He recommends Extended Care to anyone in need of its services.

“It was very good and the staff was very nice,” he said.