What type of nursing care is considered above skilled nursing but below acute hospital care?

Subacute care refers to a level of nursing care that provides more intensive services than skilled nursing but is not as advanced or resource-demanding as acute hospital care. This type of care is typically used for patients who have stabilized after an acute illness, surgery, or injury and who require additional monitoring or rehabilitation.

Subacute care often includes a range of services, such as ongoing medical management, physical therapy, and skilled nursing. It is usually provided in specialized units within long-term care facilities or designated subacute care centers, focusing on helping patients recover enough to transition to a lower level of care, such as home health care or outpatient services.

Other types of care, such as long-term care, primarily cater to individuals who need assistance with activities of daily living over an extended period without expecting significant improvement in their condition. Intensive care is reserved for patients requiring constant monitoring and advanced treatments due to life-threatening conditions, while rehabilitative care generally focuses on helping individuals regain their independence and functionality after serious health events. Thus, subacute care occupies a unique and essential position in the healthcare continuum, bridging the gap between intensive hospital treatment and lower levels of ongoing care.