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Acute vs. Sub-Acute
Understanding the Different Types of Physical Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation occurs at a pivotal point in the recovery process, so choosing the appropriate level of care is important. While many healthcare providers describe their services as rehabilitation, the level and intensity of care can vary greatly from one to the next.
Inpatient Rehab Facility (IRF) vs. Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
Click the chart below to expand the details and differences between each service.
Acute vs. Sub-Acute Rehabilitation
The next chart provides an explanation of acute vs. sub-acute rehabilitation services. These resources will help determine what is best for you or your loved one. Prior to admission at Sheltering Arms Institute, one of our clinical liaisons or physicians will assess the patient to ensure that he/she can benefit from intensive inpatient physical rehabilitation services and to arrange for the transition to our hospital if appropriate.
| Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital* | Skilled Nursing Facility | Long Term Care Hospital | Home Health | Outpatient Rehabilitation** | |
| Length of Treatment | Average 10-18 days | Average 25 days | 25 days or longer | Variable, based on treatment plan | Variable, based on needs |
| Therapy Intensity | Intensive, skilled care; often integrating advanced technologies | Less intensive than inpatient rehabilitation, but not regulated | As needed, usually low intensity | Variable, based on treatment plan | Variable, based on needs |
| Amount of Therapy | Typically 3+ hours per day | Typically 1-1.5 hours per day (up to 3 hours) | Variable | 30-60 minutes per session & discipline, usually 3 times per week | 30-60 minutes per session & discipline, 2-3 times per week |
| Physician Involvement | Daily face-to-face assessment and treatment plan update | At least every 30 days | Available, not on-site daily | Provide oversight but no direct treatment | As needed to evaluate progress and assess treatment plan |
| Skilled Nursing Care – RN | Care from RN 24 hours per day | RN on site for at least 8 hours/day, care typically provided by techs | 24 hours/day | As needed per treatment plan | N/A |
* Offered at Sheltering Arms Institute & Research Hospital
** Offered at Sheltering Arms Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinics
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