Rehabilitation & Sub-Acute FAQ

Q. What is Sub-Acute care?
A. Patients who require this level of care are medically stable and no longer require acute hospital care.

Q. Why do people need Sub-Acute care?
A. Today’s shorter hospital stays result in patients being discharged before they are ready to function independently and safely at home.

Q. What services are provided for Sub-Acute patients?
A. To prepare patients to return to their own homes they often require continued skilled nursing care and rehabilitation. The services of competent, as well as, cheerful physicians, dietitians, social workers, and activity workers round out the spectrum of clinical services.

Q. What other services does the Sub-Acute unit offer?
A. Amenities include cable TV for each patient, telephones at each bedside, internet access, and individually controlled air conditioning. Several lounges are available for patients, their families, and friends.

Q. What kinds of illnesses and injuries are treated in the Sub-Acute setting?
A. The Sub-Acute unit provides post-surgical care, wound care, pain management, IV therapy, as well as nutritional counseling and restorative rehabilitation. Patients recovering from orthopedic surgery (e.g. knee or hip), as well as those recovering from strokes and other neurological disorders are treated in the sub-acute unit.

Q. How long does a patient stay before returning home?
A. The length of stay for each patient is based on that person’s individual needs. Some people have relatively short stays (a week or 2), while others may stay up to 100 days.

Q. What if the patient is not completely independent when it is time to return home?
A. Sometimes, patients need to continue rehabilitation even after they return home. The discharge planner at Workmen’s Circle MultiCare Center will assist the patient and family to arrange for continued care in the community. The patient may be able to access outpatient services locally and, if necessary, receive other home care services.

Q. Who pays for Sub-Acute care?
A. Most private insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid.

Q. How does the patient benefit?
A. The patient receives medical, nursing, and rehabilitation services (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and audiology services). The patient also learns how to function independently upon returning home.