
11/01/2022
If you (or a loved one) have recently suffered an illness or injury that requires admission to a nursing facility before you’re ready to go home, then you have probably been hearing some of these acronyms. And if you’re finding yourself a bit confused, don’t worry you’re not alone. Here is a quick summary of some of the acronyms you may be hearing, and the differences between these types of facilities.
LTACH-Long term acute care hospital
For patients who are do not need intensive care or emergency treatment but still require a high level of involved care. An LTACH provides a longer-term setting for the continuation of hospital-level care.
IRH-Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital
Provides intensive rehabilitative treatment to patients needing to regain functions after serious illness or injury. In these types of facilities, patients are expected to rigorous rehabilitation sessions of 3 to 5 hours per day, 5 days a week.
SNF-Skilled Nursing Facility
A skilled nursing facility is ideal for patients who do not require the concentrated level of care provided by a LTACH but still need support and medical care and before they are ready to be on their own.
The following aspects of care and treatment are the main differences between LTACHs, IRFs and SNFs:
• Complexity of medical care: LTACHs provided a much more involved level of care than what would be provided at SNFs and IRFs.
• Level of therapy offered: For intensive rehabilitation programs and specific therapies designed to rebuild a patient's self-sufficiency, IRHs are usually the best solution. LTACHs offer some rehabilitation services and therapies, but these are not commonly the primary focus. SNFs may offer the same, though at a less concentrated level.
• Staffing: LTACHs typically retain on-site doctors, and patients may see a doctor as often once a day. IRFs and SNFs also have doctors on staff, but nursing staff and therapists and take on a more active role in daily care management.
• Cost: Because of their more complex and intensive medical services, LTACHs are the most expensive of the three options. SNFs are more cost-effective options for patients who do not have complex care needs.