What is Subacute Nursing Home Care?

For patients who have suffered an injury, illness or exacerbation of a disease, subacute nursing home care can offer a money-saving alternative to in-hospital care. Subacute care differs from that of a traditional nursing facility in that it provides more intensive care to the patient until the condition is stabilized.

For patients who have suffered an injury, illness or exacerbation of a disease, subacute nursing home care can offer a money-saving alternative to in-hospital care. Subacute care differs from that of a traditional nursing facility in that it provides more intensive care to the patient until the condition is stabilized.

Older adults and their loved ones often have many questions about subacute care and how it works. Here, we’ll take a look at how subacute care compares with other levels of care, how it works, and how patients and families can make a more informed decision about their care post-illness or injury.

What is Subacute Care?

Subacute care is a level of care that provides specialized rehabilitation services to patients after injury, surgery, or serious illness. While it can be provided in the hospital setting, it is often performed in rehabilitation center or skilled nursing facilities. It can serve as a bridge between hospital and home, and is often seen as a cost-saving measure for those worried about lengthy hospital stays or long-term care. 

Generally, the patient is assigned a medical team, which comes up with a treatment plan. For example, the Elderwood Senior Care facility in Western New York says they offer a comprehensive team of professionals including, "physical and occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, dietitians, nursing and medical professionals, and a trained social worker available for counseling and case management."

Typically, short-term subacute nursing home care is designed to return patients to the community or transition them to a lower level of care. Treatment is goal-oriented and time-limited. A complex team of medical professionals assesses the goals for treatment in regard to aid for any of the following types of care:

• Post-surgical care

• Continued medical care (medically complex)

• Infusion therapy

• Wound care

• Pain management

• Ventilator care and weaning

A main concern for subacute nursing home care providers is that patients coming to them from acute hospital care are often malnourished. A study conducted by a team of physicians from the St. Louis Health Sciences Center showed that 40% to 60% of patients hospitalized for acute illness are malnourished and the condition worsens the longer the stay. They recommend strict attention to nutritional needs in subacute care settings. That means reliable subacute nursing homes aim to improve the total health of the patient, and not just the illness or the injury.

Subacute Care vs. Other Types of Post-Acute Care

One major reason that many patients and their families experience confusion over post-acute care is that there are many care types and care settings available. Understanding the differences in these types of care can help you make a more informed choice for yourself or your loved one.

Comparison of Post-Acute Care Settings

The value of subacute nursing home care

Case studies have shown that the costs of subacute nursing home care are significantly less than hospital or traditional rehabilitation centers. For example, a patient requiring ventilator treatment and coma stimulation would cost more than $1,000 per day in a rehabilitation unit of a hospital. The same care at a subacute facility would cost $500 per day. Over time, this represents a significant cost savings for patients and insurance companies.

In fact, the California Association of Health Facilities says,

"Compared to $700 to $1,000 per day for a hospital stay and $850 per day for a rehabilitation hospital, a nursing facility subacute unit generally runs $300 to $550 per day or less, depending on the patient’s needs."

Furthermore, Medicare and private insurance are the primary source for subacute nursing home care funding.  In 2025, Medicare patients can receive total coverage for the first 20 days of subacute care in a skilled nursing facility. Coverage is limited to 100 days, with days 21-100 requiring a $209.50 daily co-pay. For day 101 and beyond, the patient would be responsible for 100% of the charges.

To qualify for Medicare coverage, the patient must have had a hospital stay of three days or more and must be admitted to the skilled nursing facility within 30 days of release from the hospital.

How to Choose a Subacute Care Facility

Choosing the level of care needed after a hospital stay can be overwhelming, but once you decide on subacute care, you’ve got another big decision ahead: the best facility for you or your loved one. Consider the following factors when deciding which subacute care facility to choose:

• CMS Star rating: This is Medicare’s own quality rating system. Nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities are rated on a 1-5 star scale, with 5 stars indicating the highest quality. You can check a facility’s rating on the Care Compare site.

• Verify license and certification: Make sure the facilities you’re considering are all appropriately licensed and certified to accept Medicare and/or your health insurance.

• Check accreditation: Many skilled nursing facilities are accredited by the Joint Commission, which has exacting quality standards. Check with them to make sure your selected facility is in good standing.

• Request a tour: Before you settle on a care facility, make sure you or someone you trust is able to tour the premises and see the care units including occupational therapy and physical therapy services in action. Ask to meet with a healthcare professional who can represent the facility and answer your questions.

• Inquire about the care team:  Your team will likely be made up of therapists, doctors, and registered nurses. A multidisciplinary team like this will provide the best and most comprehensive level of care.

• Review your proposed care plan: Before making your final decision, request a care plan from the facility. Look it over with family members and loved ones to ensure it addresses your needs and concerns.

What to Pack for a Subacute Care Stay

Whether you’re staying for a few days or maxxing out your Medicare-covered 100 days, you’ll want to be prepared with everything you need for your subacute rehabilitation. Reference this checklist to have a better idea of what to pack:

Loose-fitting clothing that’s comfortable and roomy enough for physical therapy

A robe, pajamas, and slippers with non-skid soles

A sweater or jacket in case you get chilly

Daily toiletries and necessities like eyeglasses, hearing aids, denture adhesive, etc.

Insurance and ID cards

List of medications that include dosage and frequency

List of food allergies

Important documents like a power of attorney or living will

Books, puzzles, tablet (with charger), and other forms of entertainment

Cash or credit card for small purchases, plus a place to securely store them

Do not bring large amounts of cash or valuables like jewelry. 

Bridge the Gap Between Hospital and Home with Subacute Care

In summary, subacute nursing home care offers patients the chance to heal without the high cost of an extended hospital stay, and can significantly improve their quality of life. Best of all, there are resources, such as Medicare, that can help negate the expense.

By: Anastasia Hobbs

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