Cropped shot of a young female nurse caring for a senior woman sitting in a wheelchair

The Difference Between Short-Term and Long-Term Care

When faced with a need for rehabilitation services, you may be wondering what type of care is right for you or your loved one. With many options available, it’s understandable that it can take time to decide. Here’s a quick overview of the two types of care so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your loved one. 

Short-Term Care

Short-term rehabilitation is typically defined as a stay of 3 weeks or less. Services are focused on helping patients recover from an acute illness, injury, or surgery so that they can return home or to a lower level of care. To maximize their functional abilities, patients in short-term rehab usually receive therapy 5-7 days per week. Nursing care and other support services are also available as needed.

Recovering From

In most cases, patients are sent to short-term care to recover from the following: 

  • Surgery
  • Injury from an accident 
  • Illness

Long-Term Care

Long-term care rehabilitation is typically necessary for patients with chronic illnesses or conditions requiring more time and intensity of therapy than short-term rehabilitation provides. These patients generally require 24-hour nursing care and other support services. The length of stay in a long-term care rehabilitation facility can vary depending on the patient’s needs but averages around 100 days.  

Recovering From

In most cases, patients are sent to long-term care to recover from the following: 

  • Stroke
  • Chronic debilitating symptoms
  • Permanent disability

Connecticut Rehabilitation Programs and Hospice Care

Welcome to Whispering Pines Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Connecticut’s #1 institution for long and short-term rehabilitation programs and hospice care. Renowned for providing quality care and support to our community for years, we proudly offer various specialized services and clinical programs to help you recover from illness, injury, or surgery while enjoying the peace of our comfortable and safe setting.

Get in touch with us today at 203-469-2316 or online