what is subacute care

Subacute care is a type of inpatient care that provides services that are more intensive than those typically received in skilled nursing facilities but less intensive than acute care. It is administered by licensed nurses with specialized training and is for people with an acute illness, injury, or those experiencing the exacerbation of a disease. Subacute units tend to be housed in skilled nursing facilities or on skilled nursing units, although they may sometimes be found in rehabilitation hospitals. The types of care provided in subacute units include post-surgical care, rehabilitation (physical, occupational, and speech therapies), intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy, wound care, pain management, pulmonary and breathing care, and more. Speech-language pathologists working in subacute units provide services such as speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing treatment. Seniors who have received acute care and treatment but still require therapy may look to subacute care facilities. Most people stay for a short term, which can range from 3 to 30 days, based on how well they are doing, although a long-term stay can be arranged if needed.