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Short-Term Rehabilitative Care vs. Long-Term Skilled Care: What Are the Differences?

resident discussing short- and long-term care options with a facility associate

Suppose you’ve experienced a fall, injury or wound. In that case, it’s essential to meet with your doctor to assess the issue and make an informed decision about the advisability of either short-term rehabilitative or long-term skilled care. Since every rehabilitation journey is unique, you need to discuss your injury with your doctor and determine the best next steps. 

Understanding the benefits of short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled care will make it easier for you to make the right decision when speaking with your doctor. 

What is Short-Term Rehabilitative Care? 

Short-term rehabilitative care can include any of the following services: 

  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Skilled nursing (if needed on a short-term basis)

After an injury, fall or cardiac issue, the intent of short-term care is to help build up your body strength while also ensuring you can go back to normal functioning in your day-to-day life without lasting complications. This type of rehab involves treatment sessions after a specific injury, surgery, accident, or illness. 

Short-term rehabilitative care is unique from long-term skilled care because it offers: 

  • Defined outcomes
  • Temporary inpatient stay
  • Smoother transitions from hospital to home
  • Home or on-site therapy sessions
  • Resolution in a short time frame

What is Long-Term Skilled Care? 

Long-term skilled care is a type of treatment for individuals suffering from: 

  • Chronic disease
  • Chronic illness
  • Debilitating condition or disability 

If you need long-term care, you’ll most likely have to move into a skilled nursing facility to receive the beneficial treatments and support necessary to help you improve your quality of life. 

The key difference between short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled care is that in long-term skilled care, you receive: 

  • Support with activities associated with daily living
  • Treatment of chronic symptoms
  • Inpatient treatments tailored to specific needs
  • Ongoing observation, support and evaluation 
  • Treatments and programs geared toward improved quality of life

What is a Skilled Nursing Facility? 

At Parkwood, our skilled nursing facility is dedicated to providing quality care and excellent service. Our mission has been and will continue to be striving for the highest possible quality of life for each resident. 

Our licensed nurses and specialists are highly trained and dedicated to helping residents build relationships with staff and neighbors. Professional skilled care is ready to serve long-term skilled nursing residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

At Parkwood, skilled nursing residents benefit from: 

  • 24/7 skilled nursing
  • On-site physicians
  • Mobile X-ray and lab services
  • Cardiopulmonary care
  • Wound care management
  • Secured Alzheimer’s skilled nursing
  • Psychological/psychiatric referrals
  • Contracted hospice services

Learn More About Rehabilitation and Long-Term Skilled Care at Parkwood

At Parkwood, our skilled nursing community is specifically arranged by a central dining room and nurse’s station. With an on-site beauty salon, laundry service, social activities, and nutritious daily meals, residents can get the support they need when they need it. 

We’re here to talk with you more about your short-term rehabilitation or long-term skilled nursing care needs. 

​​If you or your loved one is looking for a skilled nursing facility near you, call us today to learn more about everything we offer at Parkwood.