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Glossary

What is Subacute Care?

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.

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