What is Post-Acute Care After a Hospital Stay?

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Years ago, patients requiring hospitalization for sudden illnesses, injuries or other medical events were able to stay in the hospital until they were healed enough to go home. Changes in hospital policies now limit the amount of time patients can stay to recover, and many patients are discharged before they’re quite ready to return to living independently at home. Post-acute care at a skilled nursing facility offers these patients additional care and services, providing a smooth and healthy transition from hospital to home.

What can you expect from post-acute care?

Post-acute in a skilled nursing facility involves two main objectives: continued care and recovery. A discharge goal is established on the day of admission, with the length of stay dependent on the patient’s condition and overall health. Patients receive a customized recovery plan created by a team of physicians, nurses, and therapists.  Nursing staff provides comprehensive medical services, such as: 

  • Wound care

  • Respiratory services

  • Tube feeding

  • Intravenous therapy

  • Tracheostomy care and weaning

  • Pain and medication management

  • Dietary management

In-house therapists provide intensive rehabilitation including physical and occupational therapy (and speech therapy if needed), with a focus on maximizing each patient’s functional abilities so they can return to independent living as soon as possible. Therapists can also help with lifestyle or home changes and use of assistive devices.

What are the benefits of post-acute care?

Patients who receive post-acute care after a hospitalization are much less likely to be readmitted to the hospital because they are closely monitored for complications or changes in their condition. Post-acute care also ensures that patients are getting the best care possible, with experienced professionals available to answer questions and assist with challenging tasks. Studies have shown that post-acute care leads to better recovery outcomes, and because skilled nursing facilities offer more activities and social services than hospitals, patients receiving post-acute care benefit from better mental health outcomes during the recovery process as well.

Who can benefit from post-acute care?

Post-acute care is beneficial to anyone who has been hospitalized but needs transitional care and rehabilitation before going home. Medical conditions that might require post-acute care include:

  • Major injury or trauma

  • Brain injury

  • Spinal cord injury

  • Hip fractures

  • Burns

  • Amputations

  • Stroke

  • Cerebrovascular accident

  • Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease

  • Orthopedic conditions

  • Conditions made worse by illness such as COPD and heart disease

Rehabilitation at a post-acute care facility helps patients increase strength and mobility, improve cognitive limitation, and recover the ability to perform daily routines such as eating, dressing and personal hygiene. 

Post-acute care at Bella Vista Health center

While post-acute care recovery plans are individualized for each patient at Bella Vista Health Center, the goal remains the same: helping patients recover quickly and live as independently as possible. We’re committed to providing high quality patient care in a therapeutic and nurturing environment and to keeping patients safe and comfortable every step of the way. For more information about our post-acute care services or to schedule a tour of our 5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility, fill out our contact form or give us a call at (619) 644-1000

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