Understanding post-acute care and long-term care can be confusing. Just like in our previous post understanding the differences between skilled nursing facilities and post-acute care, it is equally important to understand what the differences are between post-acute and long-term care.
While in some cases the types of care given by these two methods can overlap, there are still plenty of differences in each. Therefore, it is crucial to understand each type of care so you can make an informed decision if and when the time comes to choose a facility of care for you or a family member.
What is Post-Acute Care?
Post-acute care entails services for individuals who have just been discharged from the hospital but still require medical attention. These services are typically aimed at people who have just suffered a major injury, illness, or delicate surgical procedure.
The immediate objective of post-acute care is to stabilize the patient and focus on providing support and guidance throughout the recovery process. The primary goal of post-acute care is to rehabilitate the patient and help them function normally in the shortest time possible.
Depending on the injury, illness, or procedure the patient has endured, post-acute care can vary from short-term to long-term rehab. It is important to understand, though, that this long-term rehabilitation process is different from long-term care. The latter is typically aimed towards older individuals while post-acute care can be performed on anyone recovering from acute injuries, illnesses, or procedures.
There are plenty of services that post-acute offers, including:
- Post Stroke Care
- Cardiac Care
- Wound Care
- General Surgery Care
- Respiratory Care
- Amputee Care
- Post Trauma Care
What is Long Term Care?
Long term care, on the other hand, usually refers to non-medical care. This type of care is for older adults who need help performing daily activities. Also referred to as assistant living or nursing home care, these services aim to provide a comfortable living environment for people who might need help getting dressed, bathing, using the restroom, eating, and taking their medication.
As opposed to post-acute care, which focuses on rehabilitation, long term care focuses on the lifestyle of the patient, providing community services like meals, adult day care, and transportation services.
Other services of long term care include:
- Senior Companion Programs
- Senior Transportation
- Personal Care and Homemaker Services
- Emergency Medical Alert Systems
Rehabilitation Care at South Coast Post Acute
Rehabilitation at South Coast Post Acute ensures the highest standard of care to each patient as we provide exceptional quality service by highly trained medical professionals. Our services give you the opportunity to regain your highest level of functionality and get you back home in the fastest time possible.
Our services include a team consisting of:
- Licensed Physical Therapists
- Licensed Occupational Therapists
- Licensed Speech Therapists
- 24-hour-a-day Registered Nurses
- Nutritionists
With a re-hospitalization rate 68% lower than the national average, we provide you not only with the physical care you need but also provide a supportive, welcoming environment. Contact us today to learn more.