When a loved one is recovering from surgery, illness, or injury, finding the right type of care can be overwhelming. Our team is one option that offers a higher level of medical attention and rehabilitation than traditional nursing homes. But how exactly does subacute care differ from long-term care, and when should you consider one over the other?
What is Subacute Care?
Subacute care is a level of medical care that’s more intense than what you’d typically find in a nursing home, but not as critical as the care received in an ICU. Post-acute care is designed for patients who need more than just basic assistance with daily living activities but do not need the most intensive care provided in a hospital.
At facilities offering subacute care in Voorhees, NJ, patients receive around-the-clock medical attention, including treatments and rehabilitation for a variety of conditions. Recovery care facilities provide specialized services such as physical therapy, wound care, intravenous therapy, and pain management.
Types of Services in Subacute Care Include:
- Medical Monitoring: Continuous care for patients recovering from surgery, injury, or illness.
- Physical and Occupational Therapy: Focused rehabilitation to regain mobility and independence.
- Pain Management: Expertise in managing chronic pain, especially after surgery or trauma.
- Wound Care: Specialized treatment for wounds that need continuous care, such as surgical wounds or pressure ulcers.
How is Subacute Care Different from Long-Term Care?
While both subacute care Voorhees, and long-term care focus on providing a safe and comfortable living environment for patients, the main difference lies in the intensity and duration of the care provided.
Subacute Care vs. Long-Term Care: Key Differences
- Duration of Stay: Subacute care is typically for a shorter period, usually ranging from a few days to several weeks. It’s designed for recovery after surgery, illness, or injury. Long-term care, however, is meant for individuals who need assistance with daily activities for an extended period, often for months or years.
- Level of Medical Care: Rehabilitation care facilities are equipped to handle more complex medical needs, with healthcare professionals available 24/7. Long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, provide basic health monitoring and assistance with activities of daily living, but do not offer the same intensive medical treatments.
- Therapies and Rehabilitation: In our nursing home in Voorhees, NJ, patients receive focused therapies like physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy to help them recover and regain their independence. Long-term care facilities, on the other hand, may not provide intensive rehabilitation and often focus on comfort care rather than active recovery.
Why Would Someone Choose Subacute Care Over Long-Term Care?
Subacute care is ideal for individuals who are recovering from surgery, illness, or injury and need intensive medical support during the recovery phase. For example, after a hip replacement surgery, a patient may be transferred to a post-acute care facility for physical therapy and medical monitoring until they are stable enough to return home.
In contrast, long-term care is more appropriate for individuals with chronic conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, that require ongoing supervision and assistance with daily activities like eating, bathing, and dressing.
When Should You Choose Subacute Care?
Choosing the right care for your loved one depends on their current medical needs. If someone is in the recovery phase after surgery or an acute illness, senior living in Voorhees, NJ, is often the best option. Here are some scenarios when subacute care is typically recommended:
1. Recovery After Surgery or Injury
If your loved one has undergone a significant surgery, such as a knee or hip replacement, or suffered a traumatic injury, rehabilitation care can provide the specialized rehabilitation they need to recover.
2. Need for Intensive Medical Monitoring
Subacute care is ideal for individuals who require close medical supervision, but who do not need to be in a hospital setting. For example, if someone is recovering from a stroke or heart surgery, they may need frequent monitoring of vital signs, medications, and other aspects of their health.
3. Chronic Conditions That Need Specialized Treatment
Patients with chronic conditions such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or heart failure may benefit from transitional care that includes skilled nursing, breathing treatments, and medication management.
4. Short-Term Rehabilitation
Patients who have been hospitalized for an extended period and need rehabilitation services, like nursing home & elder care in Voorhees, NJ, physical therapy, or occupational therapy, can benefit from the structured, supportive environment of rehabilitation care.
Benefits of Subacute Care
Our team offers several benefits to those in need of intensive recovery or rehabilitation. Some key benefits include:
- Personalized Medical Attention
Subacute care provides individualized treatment plans designed to address each patient’s unique needs. Whether the goal is to regain mobility, manage pain, or heal from a wound, the focus is on the patient’s recovery. - Specialized Therapies
Post-acute care includes specialized therapy services, such as physical therapy, which helps patients regain strength and independence. Occupational therapy can also assist with daily tasks, allowing patients to return to a more active lifestyle after an illness or injury. - 24/7 Care
Rehabilitation care provides around-the-clock nursing staff to monitor health conditions and provide care whenever needed, offering peace of mind to both patients and their families. - Recovery in a Comfortable Environment
Many recovery care facilities offer a home-like setting where patients can focus on healing. These facilities may provide comfortable living spaces, family-oriented activities, and amenities to make the recovery process more enjoyable.
How to Choose the Right Subacute Care Facility
Choosing the right subacute care facility for your loved one can be a daunting task. Here are some important factors to consider when evaluating options:
1. Medical Services Offered
Ensure that the facility offers the medical services your loved one needs, such as physical therapy, pain management, or specialized treatments for chronic conditions.
2. Facility Reputation
Look for a facility with a strong reputation for providing high-quality care. Check reviews, talk to other families who have used the facility, and ask for references from medical professionals.
3. Accessibility and Location
Consider the facility’s location in relation to your home. It’s important to be able to visit your loved one frequently during their recovery.
4. Staff Qualifications
Ensure that the facility has qualified and experienced staff, including licensed nurses, physical therapists, and medical doctors. Staff should be compassionate, skilled, and attentive to your loved one’s needs.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the difference between subacute care and skilled nursing care?
The team provides more intensive medical and rehabilitative services than skilled nursing care, which focuses on helping patients with daily living activities and basic medical needs.
Does subacute care include physical therapy?
Yes, our team typically includes physical, occupational, and sometimes speech therapy, depending on the patient’s needs.
How long do patients typically stay in subacute care?
Patients usually stay in subacute care for a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on their recovery needs.
Is subacute care covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover subacute care, but it’s important to check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
To Sum Up
If your loved one is recovering from surgery, illness, or injury, recovery care may be the ideal solution for their recovery. The Subacute at Autumn Lake Healthcare specializes in providing personalized medical care and intensive rehabilitation services. With a focus on patient-centered care, we are committed to helping individuals regain their independence and improve their quality of life.
Ready for a free quote or to schedule a consultation? Contact us today to learn more about our recovery care services and how we can assist your loved one on their journey to recovery.