Short-term care and long-term care offer varying levels of clinical and personal. Both are designed for specific purposes to address unique healthcare needs. Understanding the differences between the two can help you decide which is right for you or your loved one.
Differences Between Short- and Long-Term Care
These types of care are available to people of all ages but vary in focus, services and duration. They also differ in where they’re available as not all skilled nursing and assisted living facilities offer both kinds of care.
What is Long-Term Care?
It’s skilled nursing care for those with chronic health conditions, disabilities and cognitive impairments. You or your loved one may reside in a long-term facility for several months or several years. Long-term care provides a safe living environment and consistent personal and medical support for those who can’t live independently anymore.
Long-term care services include:
- 24-hour skilled nursing care
- Medication management
- Physical, occupational and speech therapies
- Psychological services
- Pain management
- Pulmonary and respiratory care
- Assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and eating
Who Should Use Long-Term Care?
You may require long-term care if you live with a chronic condition such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or Alzheimer’s. Declining health, mobility issues and cognitive changes may also require more assistance.
Long-term care is also beneficial for those who struggle with personal care and household management. Health issues caused by illness, accident or injury may prevent you from living at home safely, too. Staff provide care coordination and planning services, so patients and caregivers can focus on optimizing their health.
Benefits of Long-Term Care
- Consistent medical supervision to support positive clinical outcomes
- Individualized care in a secure and structured environment
- Regular schedule for meals, activities and care
- Opportunities to engage in social activities
- Transportation to and from medical appointments and activities
- A range of services in one place to support continuity of care
- Psychological support to help patients cope with the emotional effects of their condition
What is Short-Term Care?
Also referred to as post-acute rehabilitation, short-term care is temporary medical assistance for those recovering from illness, injury, surgery and hospitalization. Care may last days to weeks, but a stay that lasts longer than three months is considered long-term care. Short-term care services are available in skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers and home settings.
Short-term care services include but aren’t limited to:
- Physical, occupational and speech therapies
- Medication management
- Wound care
- Post-surgical care
- IV therapy
- Nutrition and dietary care
- Medical equipment support
Who Should Use Short-Term Care?
This type of skilled care is suited for those who require temporary assistance as they recover and regain strength following an illness, injury or procedure.
You may require short-term care if:
- You sustained a bone fracture or break.
- You suffered a heart attack or stroke.
- You’re recovering from a prolonged illness or infection.
- You need assistance transitioning home from the hospital.
Respite care is available as a short-term service to give family and friends a break from caregiving duties. Hospice and palliative care can also be used to manage chronic symptoms and ease the transition to end-of-life care.
Benefits of Short-Term Care
- Access to specialized therapy and clinical services
- Shortened recovery time
- Medical supervision
- Prompt response times to complications
- Reduced risk of rehospitalization
- Smooth transition home
- Flexible, customizable care plans
- Enhanced quality of life
Long- and Short-Term Care at Embassy
The right support system can ease the recovery process. Embassy Healthcare offers comprehensive short- and long-term care to assist with medical needs. Our expert staff strives to get to know each patient on a personal level, so they can improve their physical, emotional and mental wellness. Schedule a tour at one of our locations.
