Acute vs Subacute Rehab: What Are the Differences?

Physical therapy is one of the most effective and cost-efficient healthcare treatments. In fact, more than 100 patients go through physical therapy each week.

Many people receive this treatment and walk away feeling great. But what if there was a better way to ensure the best physical recovery? What if your treatment involved delving deeper into the therapy? What if you need to choose between acute vs subacute rehab?

But don’t be scared; it isn’t all that complicated to determine which one is best for your recovery. Below are the differences between the two.

Acute vs Subacute Rehab: The Difference

Acute rehabilitation is for patients recently hospitalized for an injury or surgery. It is shorter in duration than subacute rehabilitation. It also focuses on helping the patient regain functional independence following a hospital stay.

Subacute rehabilitation is for patients who have been discharged from the hospital but still need some level of care. It takes a more holistic approach and may last longer. The goal of subacute rehabilitation is to help the patient regain functional independence. But also to prepare them to return home and to their daily lives.

Acute rehabilitation also occurs in a hospital setting. This is while subacute rehabilitation may occur in a variety of settings. This includes hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics.

The main difference between the two types of rehabilitation is the intensity of services. Acute rehabilitation programs are more intense. With this program, patients receive more therapy sessions per week. They are also focused on helping patients regain functional abilities fast.

Subacute rehabilitation programs are less intense. Patients usually receive fewer therapy sessions per week. They focus on helping patients regain functional abilities. It also prepares them for discharge back home or to a lower level of care.

Who Can Qualify?

Patients who qualify in acute rehab are people who suffer from a heart attack, stroke, pneumonia, debilitating respiratory illnesses, and others who have undergone certain types of surgery. Those who qualify for subacute rehab are those who need treatment in spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, intensive wounds, malnutrition, eating disorders, and alike.

The Benefits

Both acute and subacute rehabilitation programs can offer patients a variety of benefits. These benefits can include decreased pain, improved functional abilities, increased independence, and improved quality of life.

Specifically, acute rehab helps people regain their strength and improve their range of motion. It also helps them regain their ability to perform daily activities. Subacute rehab helps people manage their chronic conditions. It also helps them improve their quality of life.

These programs ensure that patients who are in need of care get the best help they need from professionals. It offers a second chance to those who may have lost hope. And it also helps the families of the patients in caring for their ill loved ones.

The Drawbacks

The main drawback of acute rehabilitation is that it can be very intense and overwhelming for patients. This can lead to patients becoming frustrated and discouraged. Additionally, the hospital setting can be very restrictive. Patients may not have much opportunity to interact with the outside world.

Acute rehab is also an inpatient program. This means that there is a team that focuses solely on your recovery. It requires a significant time commitment. And it may not be possible for everyone to take that much time away from work or other obligations. Not to mention that inpatient rehab programs can be emotionally challenging.

On the other hand, subacute rehabilitation can take longer to achieve results. It can take months to achieve results.

The Costs

The length of stay and the cost of acute rehab vs subacute rehab can vary. It depends on both the facility and the patient’s individual needs. But in general, acute rehab is more expensive than subacute rehab.

This is because acute rehab requires more staff, resources, and intense therapy. The cost of acute rehab can also be higher because it is often covered by insurance. The cost of subacute rehab is usually paid for out-of-pocket.

However, both types of rehab can provide patients with the care and resources they need to heal and recover.

How to Choose the Right Rehab Program?

Acute inpatient rehab programs are designed for patients who require intense, specialized therapy, and medical care following a serious injury or illness. These programs are usually shorter in length and provide around-the-clock care.

Subacute rehab programs are designed for patients who still require intense therapy and medical care, but who are not as critically ill as those in acute rehab. These programs are usually of a longer length. And, they also provide a higher level of care than outpatient programs.

Patients from both programs often have a team of doctors, nurses, therapists, and other specialists working with them to ensure they receive the best possible care.

Note, however, that these rehabs are only for specific illnesses and injuries. Different rehabilitation programs are created for other types of illnesses. For example, people who suffer drug and alcohol-related illnesses must go to drug and alcohol rehab.

Choosing the Right Rehab Program Brings You Closer to Recovery

There are distinct differences in acute vs subacute rehab. Acute rehabilitation is more intense and focused on helping the patient regain functional abilities fast. Subacute rehabilitation is more focused on helping the patient regain independence and improve quality of life.

The decision of which type of rehabilitation to choose should be made in consultation with a rehabilitation specialist.

Was this article helpful? For more articles like this, be sure to check out more of our blog to guide you in all things about life. The answer to your questions is always out there if you seek them!