Skilled Nursing and Long-Term Care
Post-acute care (PAC) and long-term care (LTC) in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) play distinct but related roles in providing medical and personal care to individuals who have complex health needs.
Post-acute care (PAC)
Post-acute care (PAC) is focused on patients who are recovering from a serious illness, injury, surgery, or a hospital stay, but who still require ongoing care before they can return to their homes or live independently. The goal is to help these patients regain their independence and functional abilities so they can transition back to their prior living situation. PAC is typically short-term, ranging from a few weeks to a few months. Our team of physicians works together with the facility to manage complex medical conditions that require more than routine care but do not need full-time hospitalization, as well as manage the patient’s chronic conditions while in the facility until the patient is discharged home and to their primary care physician.
Long-term care (LTC)
Long-term care (LTC) is aimed at individuals who have ongoing, chronic health conditions or disabilities that require continuous assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) or medical care. These individuals may not recover to the point of independent living and will require institutional care for the long term. LTC can last months to years, or even for the rest of a person’s life, depending on their health condition. Medical care provided includes managing chronic conditions, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and managing illnesses or symptoms. For those nearing the end of life, palliative care focuses on comfort and symptom management, providing support to the patient and their family.
