What is Post Acute Care?
The first surprise many family members encounter when they begin to explore options for additional care for their loved one is that the options are endless and often confusing. In many cases, post-acute care is the right setting for care and recovery after surgery or illness.
Post-acute care is not permanent.
While post-acute care can range in length from a few days to several months, it is always designed to offer everything your loved one needs while they need it with a goal of discharge upon complete recovery. Post-acute care patients come for temporary care, not to live in the facility indefinitely.
Post-acute care is for recovery.
Post-acute care is designed to rehabilitate your loved one after an illness, surgery, or major medical event, like a stroke or a heart attack. While the staff assist your loved one with activities of daily living (like brushing their teeth or using the bathroom) when they are unable to do so themselves, the primary purpose of a post-acute stay is recovery, not assistance with ADLs.
Post-acute care is for patients of all ages.
Post-acute care is for patients of all ages. While it’s more common for older patients to require post-acute care, young patients who need intense rehabilitation and close monitoring while they recover may require a stay in a post-acute facility.
Post-acute care is hard work.
During a post-acute stay, patients generally participate in physical and occupational rehab every day (and sometimes multiple times per day). They’re closely monitored by one or more doctors and a team of nurses and therapists to ensure their progress meets standards and they’re recovering as expected.
Post-acute care plays an important role in the lives of thousands of patients and aims to provide your loved one with the best personal care possible. To learn more about your options for post-acute care in Arizona, contact our office today. Our friendly team is eager to help you understand the difference between your options for care, know what to expect when facing an upcoming post-acute stay, and help you prepare for the next steps.
