What Is Long-Term Acute Care?

Long term acute care LTAC rehab is a form of nursing care. It provides higher-level care than a skilled nursing facility (SNF). These facilities are more expensive than traditional SNFs but may qualify for Medicaid. These medical facilities are designed for patients who require long-term rehabilitation and can’t stay in a regular SNF.

LTAC facilities provide a higher level of care than ICUs:

LTAC facilities are increasingly important in the health care system due to improved technology and patient outcomes. As a result, more patients are transferred from ICUs to LTAC facilities. LTACs have similar requirements for admission and discharge to acute care hospitals but provide more extensive care for a higher level of illness.

They are more expensive than SNFs:

In 2012, there were 420 LTACHs with over 27,000 beds. However, a moratorium on adding new beds until September 2017 prevents new facilities from opening. In addition, the average length of stay in an LTACH is 30 days, while an SNF can accept stays of any length.

The difference in costs is due to several factors. First, a skilled nursing facility is part of a hospital. It offers medically necessary services, such as skilled nursing care and physical and occupational therapy. It may also provide dietary counseling, ambulance transportation, and social services.

They require a registered nurse:

Long-Term acute care facilities, or LTACs, require nurses with special skills and education. Nurses in these facilities provide education and support for residents. They must have experience in medical-surgical, ICU, or progressive care settings. In addition, they must be ACLS certified.

In addition to their training in acute care, registered nurses in long-term care facilities also work with residents with chronic conditions or illnesses. They oversee daily rehabilitation and medications for patients and perform ongoing assessments. In addition, they are often assigned to perform admission assessments for hospital patients.

Medicaid covers them:

Medicaid covers long-term acute care services for people age 65 or older and those who receive supplemental assistance from the Social security administration or are blind. Long-term services are provided in residential nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The vast majority of people who receive Medicaid assistance live in nursing homes.

Medicaid covers most long-term care costs, including medical care and custodial care. However, your eligibility for Medicaid may vary by state. If you do not qualify for Medicaid, you can still use personal funds or apply for a reverse mortgage or trust to help you pay for care.