There are many reasons a doctor may recommend short-term rehab in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) following a hospitalization. Between 30% and 60% of older adults experience a decline in their function even after a short hospital stay. Short-term rehab can be a way to regain strength and function while reducing the risk of long-term disability from a new or chronic health condition. However, it can be a challenging decision when you may just want to return home and resume your normal life. In this article, we’ll explore various benefits of short-term rehabilitation that can aid in your recovery. 

First, let’s take a look at what short-term rehabilitation is, including its goals and costs.

What is short-term rehab?

Short-term rehab or rehabilitation is considered a temporary living environment where you can recover from a medical event such as an accident, illness, or injury after leaving the hospital. It is commonly recommended for older adults after a heart attack, stroke, traumatic brain injury (such as a subdural hematoma from a fall), a serious illness such as pneumonia, or a surgery such as a hip replacement. 

Not everyone will need short-term rehab, and the amount of time you need to stay can vary. The average length of stay is approximately 20 days; however, each individual’s needs may vary, and you may only need to stay for a week or two. 

The goal of short-term rehab

The goal of short-term rehabilitation is to help you regain function and return to your previous living environment. While in a short-term rehab facility, your care will be overseen by various medical professionals, and you will receive assistance with your activities of daily living (ADLs). Short-term rehab facilities or a SNF will also manage your medications, including IV therapy if needed, provide wound care, and help with transportation to follow-up appointments. 

Short-term rehab is different from living in a nursing home, where you can be a long-term resident, although they may take place in the same facility. Short-term rehabilitation can be provided in a facility that accommodates both short-term and long-term residents.

Who pays for inpatient short-term rehabilitation?

Medicare and many private insurance plans cover your stay in a short-term rehabilitation facility. For Medicare coverage, you must have a qualifying inpatient hospital stay and have your medical provider recommend skilled care after discharge. Medicare or private insurance will cover a set number of days based on your diagnosis and care needs. 

Typically, Medicare covers 100% of the first 20 days of your stay. You’re then responsible for $209.50 for days 21 through 100. After that, you are responsible for 100% of the cost. You can always review your Medicare and/or insurance plan benefits with hospital staff before making a decision. 

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at the different benefits of short-term rehab for older adults.

Access to a multidisciplinary treatment approach

One of the many benefits of receiving short-term rehab in a SNF is access to a multidisciplinary team. This type of care is similar to what you receive while in the hospital. Most SNFs have in-house professionals that include:

• Doctors.
• Nurses.
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapists.
• Dietary staff.
• Social workers.
• Additional caregiving and support staff. 

This team also includes you and any family or friends you have designated to be involved in your health care. 

The comprehensive care offered in skilled nursing facilities ensures that inpatient short-term rehab patients have access to all types of therapy without even leaving the building. Your multidisciplinary team will meet regularly to ensure your care plan is individualized and that you’re making progress toward your discharge goals. 

Improved physical function and strength

Older adults are more susceptible to functional decline during and following a hospitalization. An estimated 25% to 35% of older adults lose the ability to independently perform at least one ADL after spending 10 to 14 days in the hospital. In addition, most older adults will be at an increased risk for falls following any length of hospitalization. 

Regaining physical function and strength is crucial to ensuring a safe return home. Short-term rehab provides focused physical and occupational therapy to help restore function as well as address any needed modifications to support you once you return home. In a recent program evaluation looking at rehabilitation programs for older adults, there was a significant increase in strength and physical function in those who completed a targeted rehab program after a hospitalization versus those who were discharged home. 

Reduction in mortality risk

Depending on the reason for your hospital admission, your risk of mortality (death) can increase due to several causes. Some conditions come with a higher risk, which can be reduced through targeted rehabilitation. 

For example, one study found that patients who received rehabilitation following a stroke had a significantly lower risk of mortality compared to patients who did not have rehab. The more rehab the patients received, the lower their risk was as well. 

Similar findings have been reported for other serious health conditions, with another study showing that patients with sepsis (a severe blood infection) who received short-term rehabilitation within six months after hospital admission had an increased rate of long-term survival. 

Reduced risk of hospital readmission

Older adults are at an increased risk of being readmitted to the hospital within 30 days. It is estimated that 15% to 45% of these readmissions are preventable. One factor that can reduce the risk of readmission is a coordinated transition plan. When discharging from the hospital to a SNF, the hospital team directly communicates and shares information with the rehab staff to ensure continuity of care. This ensures your care continues from hospital to rehab and can help keep your recovery on track. 

Social support and activities

Experiencing a significant or traumatic health event that results in surgery or hospitalization has a bigger impact than just on your physical health. Up to 40% of patients who need rehabilitation experience varying degrees of anxiety or depression. Spending time in the hospital and dealing with complex health conditions can disrupt your routine and social activities. Returning home when not at your functional baseline can further contribute to isolation and worsening mental health outcomes. 

Short-term rehab offers convenient access to social opportunities and activities. SNFs have activity staff who can help connect you with additional social services, such as visiting library programs, volunteer visitors, and animal therapy. SNF facilities also have common dining areas where you can eat and socialize with other residents. 

Short-term rehab can be very beneficial

Hospitalizations can be stressful and disruptive. It’s normal to want to return home as quickly as possible. However, if your medical provider recommends short-term rehab, it is because they believe it will benefit both your short-term and long-term recovery. Short-term rehab is a great way to increase strength and function and mitigate further risks that can occur after a hospitalization.

Senior care facility rules and requirements vary based on company-specific policies and state-level regulations. The content above represents common guidelines but may differ from a particular facility’s policies or requirements. To learn the regulations that apply in your state, contact your local Oasis Senior Advisor.