Long-term Care is generally for people with a degree of long-term dependency, and consists of a range of medical, personal care and assistance services. It’s primary goals are alleviating a patient’s pain, managing deterioration in health status, and assistance with personal care, such as dressing, bathing and using the bathroom. Long-term Care may be provided at home or in facilities that include Nursing Homes and Assisted Living.
Physical Therapy is a branch of Rehabilitative Health that uses specially designed exercises and equipment to help patients regain or improve their physical abilities. It is the treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise, rather than by drugs or surgery. A Physical Therapist focuses on improving a client’s ability to perform movement of the body.
Skilled Nursing Health Care is a high level of care and rehabilitation that can only be provided by trained and licensed professionals like Registered Nurses, Licensed Professional Nurses, Medical Directors, Physicians, and Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists. It is normally in-patient rehabilitation, is short-term, and helps patients get back on their feet after hospitalization, injury or illness. This type of care is most often provided in a Skilled Nursing facility.
Post-Acute Care refers to a range of medical care services that support an individual’s continued recovery from illness, or management of a chronic illness or disability following a release from hospitalization. Once out of the hospital, many patients require continued medical care, either at home or in a specialized facility. Post Acute Care facilities can include long-term Hospitals, Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities, Home Health agencies, and Skilled Nursing Facilities.
The Care Continuum refers to the wide array of senior health services spanning from Senior Living, Home Healthcare, Skilled Nursing, Physical Therapy, to Hospice Care.