What is the difference between long term acute care hospitals rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities?
Long-term acute care hospitals
* Provide intensive medical care for patients who are too sick or unstable to be cared for in a traditional hospital.
* Typically offer a wide range of services, including:
* 24-hour nursing care
* Respiratory therapy
* Physical therapy
* Occupational therapy
* Speech therapy
* Wound care
* Pain management
* Length of stay: LTACHs typically provide care for patients for a period of 25 days or more.
Rehabilitation facilities
* Provide care for patients who are recovering from an injury, illness, or surgery.
* Offer a variety of therapies and services to help patients regain their strength and independence, including:
* Physical therapy
* Occupational therapy
* Speech therapy
* Cognitive therapy
* Vocational rehabilitation
* Length of stay: Rehabilitation facilities typically provide care for patients for a period of a few weeks to several months.
Skilled nursing facilities
* Provide care for patients who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
* Offer a variety of services, including:
* 24-hour nursing care
* Physical therapy
* Occupational therapy
* Speech therapy
* Social services
* Nutritional counseling
* Length of stay: SNFs typically provide care for patients for a period of several months to several years.
The best healthcare setting for a particular patient depends on their individual needs and medical condition. A doctor can help recommend the most appropriate setting for a patient's care.