It is important to understand the difference between long-term care and acute care. Unlike acute care settings, long-term care primarily provides care for patients with chronic illnesses and offers a wide range of services. In this unit, we will explore these services in greater detail.

Skilled Nursing Facilities

Skilled nursing facilities primarily provide care for the elderly and disabled who have complex medical problems that prevent them from caring for themselves. The length of a patient’s stay can vary. For example, if a patient needs extended care for an acute medical problem—longer than a hospital can offer—they may be discharged once their treatment is complete. Conversely, some patients may remain in a skilled nursing facility for the rest of their lives due to chronic and complex medical problems.

Assisted-Living Facilities

Assisted-living facilities typically serve people who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), as well as those with mental health problems, developmental disabilities, or dementia. These facilities are residential, and they offer residents apartment-style homes and common areas for social and recreational activities.

Rehabilitation Facilities

Rehabilitation facilities provide acute care that may include various therapy professionals, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. This care focuses on restoring a patient’s functional and cognitive skills following disturbances that affect their ability to perform ADLs. Conditions treated in rehabilitation facilities include strokes, spinal cord and brain injuries, and surgical replacements or repairs of large joints, such as the hip. The overarching goal at rehabilitation facilities is short-term care that helps patients recover from injuries, medical procedures, or other significant health events.

Attributions

1. Figure 2.3: image released under the Pexels License
2. Figure 2.4: image released under the Pexels License