Subacute Care
What is subacute care?
Subacute care refers to a level of medical care that is less intensive than acute care but more specialized than typical skilled nursing care. It's provided to patients who are recovering from an acute illness or injury but who are not yet ready to return home. While subacute care patients may not need intense diagnostic or invasive procedures, they require close physician monitoring, nursing care, and rehabilitation.
Subacute care units may employ both nurses and more specialized healthcare professionals to allow patients to receive the level of care they require. Care may include a combination of medical treatments, therapy, and rehabilitation services, as well as assistance with daily activities.
Why is subacute care important in healthcare?
Subacute care is important in healthcare for several reasons:
- It helps patients transition from acute care. Subacute care provides a level of care that is less intensive than acute care, but more specialized than traditional nursing care. This level of care can help patients transition from acute care to their homes or long-term care facilities.
- It can reduce healthcare costs. Subacute care is often less expensive than acute care, but more specialized than traditional nursing care. Providing subacute care to patients can help reduce healthcare costs by preventing hospital readmissions and providing patients with the care they need in a more cost-effective setting.
- It provides a safe environment. Subacute care units are equipped with the necessary medical equipment and staffed with healthcare professionals who have expertise in managing complex medical conditions. This provides patients with a safe environment to recover.
Overall, subacute care is an important part of the healthcare system as it provides a level of care that is specialized, cost-effective, and helps patients recover from illness or injury.