Acute Rehabilitation vs. Skilled Nursing
Acute Rehabilitation or Skilled Nursing Care? Rehabilitation might be the right next step, after your discharge. Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy services can be provided in a rehab setting. But do you need a skilled nursing facility (sub-acute care) or an acute rehabilitation facility for your needs? Use these facts to help make a decision.
Length of Stay
The national average stay in an ARU is 16 days.
The national average stay at a SNF is 28 days.
Type of Therapy
ARU: At least 3 hours per day, at least 5 days/week.
SNF: One or more types of therapy, 1 – 2 hours per day.
Physician Involvement
ARU: Physician care provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and a rehabilitation physician (physiatrist) or nurse practitioner visits every day.
SNF: Attending physician provides a comprehensive initial assessment within 30 days of admission, and an attending physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner visits once every 30 days.
Nursing Care
ARU: Nursing care is provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by registered nurses (RNs) and Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurses (CRRNs), Nurse-to-patient ratio is 1 to 6 patients.
SNF: A registered nurse (RN) is in the building and on duty 8 hours per day, 7 days a week. The nurse-to-patient ratio is 1 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to 20 – 30 patients.
Treatment Team
ARU: Your rehabilitation team includes rehabilitation physicians (physiatrists), physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, nurses, dietitians, other disciplines as needed, and family members, working together to help determine goals and the best individualized treatment approach for you.
SNF: In addition to a monthly visit from an attending physician, you may receive additional visits from a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist. Sub-acute teams also include physical, occupational and speech therapists and a case manager.
Download as an infographic [pdf, 57kb].