Glossary
Subacute care is a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to healthcare that bridges the gap between acute hospital care and long-term care. It is a level of care designed for individuals who may not require traditional hospital care but still need more intensive skilled nursing care than is typically provided in a long-term care setting. Subacute care is typically provided in a specialized unit within a hospital, a skilled nursing facility, or a standalone subacute care center.
Patients who typically require subacute care include those recovering from serious illnesses or injuries such as
Stroke
Heart attack
Traumatic brain injury
Those who have undergone complex surgical procedures
Those with chronic illnesses or conditions that require complex medical management such as
- Diabetes
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Kidney disease
Subacute care focuses on providing:
Intensive rehabilitation services
Complex wound care
Intravenous (IV) therapy
Pain management
Respiratory therapy
Specialized medical services
The goal of subacute care is:
To help patients regain their strength
Improve their physical and cognitive abilities
Manage their symptoms
Improve their overall quality of life
Patient and family education
Subacute care is typically provided for a limited period:
Usually between a few weeks to a few months:
The length of stay in a subacute care facility depends on the patient's individual needs and progress.
Once the patient has achieved their rehabilitation goals and their condition has stabilized, they may be discharged to home or to a long-term care facility for ongoing care.
In conclusion, subacute care provides a level of care that is more intensive than traditional long-term care but less intensive than acute hospital care. By providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary care, subacute care facilities play a crucial role in helping patients recover from serious illnesses or injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve their overall quality of life.
