Is Post-Acute Care Right For You?

After you or a loved one has been receiving treatment for a condition, the different kinds of care you receive are classified as post-acute care. Also known as continuing care, or rehabilitation services, post-acute care widely varies in length and type. Post-acute care depends on how severe the illness or condition is that was being treated.

You can receive post-acute care in a number of locations, most commonly including inpatient rehab centers, home health setups, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and other hospice care settings. The main goal of post-acute care is to be treated by professionals and medicine without having to be hospitalized or experience major complications. The environment that you receive care in will depend on the severity of your needs. In cases where you are recovering from surgery or other major treatments, you will likely have to stay in a rehab facility for a number of weeks. The professionals there will be working with you to ensure that you can return home or to a relaxed, supportive environment.

What are some examples of post-acute care?

Different forms of post-acute care that patients may receive include:

• Home visits from skilled nurses
• Physical & occupational therapy
• Speech and language evaluation and therapy
• Wound care
• Medication management
• Medical social work
• Daily personal care

And more.

The type of care you require will depend on the severity of your illness and the recommendations of your care team and doctors. Your team will work with you to determine the best set up for your post-acute care.

What are the benefits of post-acute care?

There are many benefits to receiving personalized, post-acute care after being treated for a major illness or condition. For one, it allows patients to have complete access to skilled and professional nurses, therapists, and doctors that are specially trained in the care you require. You’ll have a team of people that will work with you and your family to assure that all of your needs are fulfilled as you recover.

A major goal of post-acute care is to prevent rehospitalization. If you just spent an extended amount of time in the hospital being treated for your illness, you’ll appreciate having post-acute care that focuses on helping you manage symptoms and prevent further complications. A gradual recovery with assistance on everything you need will help to keep you out of the hospital and in a more comfortable environment. 

Another benefit to post-acute care is that the cost is often fully or mostly covered by Medicare and other insurance plans. If you have a condition that requires certain medications, treatments, and more, your insurance will most likely be cooperative.

In many cases, patients are able to return back to their home environment after and during post-acute care. They’ll be taught to manage their pain, take medications on time, and voice any other needs they may have. With professional medical support just a call away, many patients can return to living on their own or with loved ones.

Your post-acute care is just as important as the medical attention you receive in hospital settings. Our Acute/Hospital-Based Care services help you arrange, understand and effectively navigate your plan of care so you can be more at ease as you focus on your well-being.

Contact us to learn more about the Charter difference.