What is acute inpatient rehab?
You likely know which doctor to see for a specific condition or where to go in an emergency. But do you know where you’d go for help recovering from a life-changing event such as a stroke, spinal cord injury or brain injury?
"Patients in specific diagnostic categories qualify for admission to an inpatient rehab hospital like Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital. This may include patients who have sustained an amputation or those with other neurological disorders like a spinal cord injury, brain injury or stroke as well as patients with multiple sclerosis, complex orthopaedic injuries, trauma and cancer," says Christopher Lambert, manager of inpatient therapy at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, part of Main Line Health. "However, some patients with less severe conditions may be able to choose between an inpatient rehab hospital and a skilled nursing facility, depending on their needs."
Here's what you need to know about the difference between acute rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities, and how to know which option is best for you.
How acute rehab differs from skilled nursing facilities
Acute rehab is tailored for individuals who require an intensive and specialized rehabilitation program following surgery, injury or a medical event like a stroke. It's conducted in a dedicated inpatient rehab hospital setting, ensuring that patients receive focused, high-quality care. A key characteristic that sets acute rehab apart is the structured, intensive therapy schedule — with patients participating in at least three hours of therapy per day, five days a week.
This contrasts with the approach taken in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), where therapy is less intensive, generally amounting to one to two hours per day without the same concentrated emphasis on rapid progress and recovery.
"This means that the therapies in acute rehab are not just more frequent; they are also more specialized, involving a team of rehab specialists who leverage advanced technologies and tailored therapeutic approaches to maximize recovery," says Lambert.
Benefits of acute inpatient rehab care
At Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, patients receive intensive therapy for a minimum of three hours per day, five days a week. This may include physical, occupational and/or speech therapy. Our therapy team may incorporate nontraditional therapies, based on our patients' clinical needs and personal interests, such as recreational therapy, art, music and horticultural therapy.
These different therapies help strengthen muscles and improve coordination, balance and endurance. They also are shown to improve memory, cognitive abilities, task initiation, language skills and socialization.
Other benefits of acute inpatient rehab include:
- A multidisciplinary team of rehabilitation experts creates your customized treatment plan and assesses your progress weekly.
- Physician care is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and a rehabilitation physician will see you at least three times weekly.
"We also provide psychological services, available on-site, to help patients heal inside and out, recognizing that psychological issues can sometimes impact recovery," says Lambert.
Another advantage at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital is that you can practice daily activities before going home.
"We take people out into the community to learn how to navigate physical and environmental barriers they might encounter in daily life, such as when shopping," says Lambert. “Our patients benefit from training in our realistic mini-apartment called the Independent Living Unit. We bring family members in to work on training to assist their loved one in anticipation of their return home."
Acute inpatient rehab: How to make the right choice
Choosing between acute rehab and a skilled nursing facility depends on several factors, including the severity of your condition, your personal recovery goals and how quickly you aim to return to your daily life. Acute rehab is ideal for individuals looking for a fast-tracked rehabilitation process with intensive therapy, while a skilled nursing facility might be better suited for those requiring a less intensive approach over a longer period.
"Patients in acute rehab generally have a shorter average stay of about 16 days due to the intensive nature of the rehabilitation program, which aims for swift progress and recovery," says Lambert. "In contrast, stays in skilled nursing facilities average around 28 days, accommodating a slower, more gradual recovery process."
Deciding where to go for acute rehabilitation can feel overwhelming. Where you choose to rehab will have an impact on how you or a loved one will move forward following an injury or illness. We encourage you to visit before deciding. Come meet our staff, tour our state-of-the-art facility and beautiful grounds, and learn about the exceptional programs and amenities.
Next steps:
Contact Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital today
Learn more about inpatient rehabilitative therapy
How pre-surgical rehab sets you up for success
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