What Is The Difference Between Short-Term Rehabilitation And Post-Hospital Care?

A woman in a hospital gown sitting with a walker.

The United States Census Bureau reported that 16.8% of the U.S. population was 65 and older as of 2020. By 2050, analysts project that 82 million people in the U.S. will be 65 or older, representing 23% of the U.S. population.

Older persons are more likely to have multiple medical issues, and many families are facing challenging decisions about care for aging family members. If you’re in Utah and seeking suitable care options for aging family members, you may hear about assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities near your location, short-term rehabilitation programs, and post-hospital care near you. However, you may wonder what services these programs provide and which program will provide the care your loved one needs. Understanding the differences between short-term rehabilitation and post-hospital care can help determine the best care for your family member.

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What Is Short-Term Rehabilitation?

Short-term rehabilitation programs provide the following therapeutic services:

Occupational therapy: An occupational therapist develops a program to help the patient regain or improve their fine motor skills, enabling them to do things like write, tie shoelaces, and fasten buttons. Occupational therapists also help patients dealing with incontinence.
Physical therapy: Physical therapists use exercises to help patients improve their gross motor skills, balance, and strength. Physical therapists also help to manage or eliminate pain.
Speech therapy: Speech therapists focus on verbal communication and swallowing. They customize treatment plans that help patients to improve their pronunciation and ability to swallow.

Occupational and physical therapists may also teach patients how to use assistive devices.

What Are The Goals Of Short-Term Rehabilitation?

The purpose of short-term rehabilitation programs is to enable patients to regain their independence and function without assistance. A patient recovering from a broken leg may only need physical therapy to restore mobility. However, a patient suffering from head trauma may need occupational and speech therapy. The therapists customize treatment plans based on each individual’s needs.

How Does Short-Term Rehabilitation Differ From Skilled Nursing?

Although people often confuse short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, there are significant distinctions between these care options. Short-term rehabilitation programs deliver therapeutic treatments and include inpatient and outpatient programs. Skilled nursing facilities provide inpatient care around the clock, including personal care. Individuals needing short-term rehabilitation and 24-hour care can combine short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing services.

How Long Does Short-Term Rehabilitation Typically Last?

Suppose you need a program for one of your parents. You’re choosing between a short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility in Bountiful and post-hospital care in Salt Lake City, and you live south of Millcreek. You work long hours and have a family, and choosing a facility in Salt Lake City would make it easier to visit. However, the closest opening for short-term rehabilitation is in Bountiful. You may wonder how long these programs typically last.

Short-term rehabilitation program lengths vary. In some cases, the patient may be capable of independence within a few weeks. However, some patients may require a few months of rehabilitation. The program length depends on their condition and therapeutic needs.

What Is Post-Hospital Care?

People sometimes confuse short-term rehabilitation and post-hospital care because of the name. Some patients hospitalized for medical issues or who’ve had surgery benefit from short-term rehabilitation, while others need post-hospital care. Post-hospital care is also called post-acute care, and it’s for patients needing support 24 hours a day.

Is Post-Hospital Care The Same As Long-Term Care?

Post-hospital care may last a few weeks or a few months. Like short-term rehab, the program duration depends on the individual’s condition and progress. However, post-acute care programs emphasize rehabilitation and restoring independence, while long-term care programs meet the needs of those requiring ongoing assistance. An assisted living facility in Salt Lake City delivers long-term care, and most residents live there long-term. However, individuals in post-hospital care in Bountiful will eventually return home or transition to an assisted living facility.

How Does Short-Term Rehabilitation Differ From Post-Hospital Care?

Short-term rehabilitation programs emphasize therapeutic treatments, so they can manage their pain and regain their gross and fine motor skills, strength, bladder control, ability to swallow, and speech. Post-hospital care emphasizes personal care for those who cannot function independently.

What Types Of Services Are Provided In Post-Hospital Care?

Examples of services provided in post-hospital care include the following:

Assistance with eating, walking, dressing, and bathing
Medication administration
Wound care

Can Post-Hospital Care Include Therapy Services?

Post-hospital care can include occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Those relying on Medicare will need a doctor’s referral and must meet Medicare’s requirements to qualify.

Who Is Eligible For Short-Term Rehabilitation Services?

Those with financial means may opt for short-term rehabilitation based on their doctor’s recommendation. Medicare may cover program costs if a doctor prescribes short-term rehabilitation after hospitalization.

What Types Of Medical Conditions Typically Require Short-Term Rehabilitation?

Short-term rehabilitation services may be suitable for those recovering from several symptoms or conditions, including the following:

Amputation
Aneurysm
Arthritis
Broken bones
Difficulty balancing
Frequent falls
Heart attack
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease
Reduced mobility
Stroke
Traumatic brain injury

How Do I Choose Between Short-Term Rehabilitation And Post-Hospital Care For A Loved One?

The critical distinction between short-term rehabilitation and post-hospital care has to do with the nature of the individual’s needs and prognosis. Someone who needs to regain their strength and balance after breaking a leg may be capable of performing independent living tasks without assistance. In that case, a short-term rehabilitation program is ideal. However, those needing assistance with personal care may benefit from a post-hospital care program prioritizing their daily needs.

Speaking to your loved one’s doctor and seeking their program recommendation can give you confidence when choosing a program for your loved one.

Are Family Members Involved In The Care Planning Process For Both Services?

Family members play vital roles in their loved one’s care. Family members may be involved with planning short-term rehabilitation and post-hospital care plans. Treatment plans explain who is responsible for specific services, clarify goals, and identify ways family members can support their loved one’s treatment plan. Having this information allows family members to monitor their loved one’s progress.

Short-Term Rehabilitation And Post-Hospital Care With Monument Health Group

Monument Health Group delivers expert care for individuals with medical needs. Our services include assisted living, post-hospital, short-term rehabilitation, and skilled nursing care. Our team of care experts can answer your questions and help you identify the best program for your loved one.

Contact Monument Health Group today to discuss how we can help with your loved one’s care needs