Long-term acute care (LTAC) is an increasingly popular option for those with complex medical conditions. Hospitals with this service provide specialized acute care for critically ill patients who need an extended stay in their facility. Patients who no longer need intensive care but will require 24-hour monitoring and medicine administration may benefit from this setup.
In this article, we’ll discuss what LTAC is and how it can help you maximize your healthcare outcomes.
Emphasis on Long-Term Recovery
Acute care refers to short-term medical treatment that is provided to individuals who have an immediate or severe medical condition, such as:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Traumatic injury
The goal of acute care is to stabilize the patient’s condition, manage their symptoms, and prevent further complications. Typically, patients are discharged or transferred once they are considered “stable,” but they might still suffer from problems like organ failure. Therefore, some remain in a general hospital while doctors await and ensure that it’s safe for them to go home.
Due to the increase in the aging population and those with chronic illnesses, a new type of provider—long-term acute care—has emerged. Their purpose is to improve quality of life and support long-term recovery.
Institutions offering long-term acute care are:
- Hospitals
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
These facilities have medical professionals who collaborate to provide individuals with specialized, long-term care services. LTAC hospitals accommodate patients who have complex needs for 25 days or longer but do not necessarily have to be admitted to a general hospital.
Often, LTAC facilities concentrate on patients who suffer from chronic, critical illnesses following their discharge from the ICU and may depend upon a mechanical ventilator for survival.
Reduced Costs for Patients
More than 400 long-term acute care facilities in the US provide medical care to up to 375,000 patients. The shift towards value-based care is driving the growth of LTAC. By focusing on better patient outcomes for those who fit the criteria for this type of care, LTAC offers better results for patients with fewer costs. The demand for LTAC is estimated to grow due to increased medical cases requiring prolonged acute care, including a rising number of cancer patients and an aging population.
Value-based care means that healthcare professionals and facilities get paid more when they do a really good job caring for patients. This is different from the fee-for-service model, where they get reimbursed retrospectively for services delivered, regardless of the outcome.
Special programs are being created to reward professionals for helping people become healthier while also keeping costs down. Long-term acute care hospitals have thus emerged as a solution, especially for those recovering from serious diseases and injuries.
What Services Are Found at an LTAC Hospital?
LTAC hospitals provide a much higher level of care than nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities.
Physicians, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, registered dietitians, and physician assistants, who are all highly trained, create a customized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
People can expect to receive a wide range of services during their stay at an LTAC, such as:
- Wound care
- Intensive critical care
- Intravenous therapy and antibiotic administration
- Respiratory therapy (including ventilator weaning)
- Nutrition management
- Superior cardiac services
- Integrated medical and rehabilitative services
- Cardiac care and recovery
- Renal insufficiency
- Neurological/post-trauma care
Moreover, an LTAC hospital also provides the same level of care as an emergency department or acute hospital, with the same licensing, accreditation, and certification standards. On top of it all, LTAC aims to attain the best possible outcomes in the shortest time.
LTAC is a valuable resource for individuals who require continued hospitalization. This type of care enables comprehensive inpatient services to those with complex medical needs, such as those recovering from severe acute illness, those with chronic medical conditions, and those who require prolonged respiratory care.
With state-of-the-art and advanced technologies, these facilities can provide the best possible care for patients in need. From elderly patients to those with long COVID-19, LTAC has proven to be an invaluable resource for providing necessary care and services.
Around-the-Clock LATC in Sherman, Texas
Are you or a loved one struggling to recover after an injury or serious illness? Carrus Specialty Hospital is here to help. With a highly trained medical team, we provide around-the-clock care and daily physician visits to ensure the best possible care for our patients. Our patient-focused treatment can cater to conditions ranging from ventilator dependency and serious wounds to neurological diseases and post-operative complications.
At Carrus, our top priority is restoring the health and independence of our patients, so they can transition to a less-intensive care arrangement or back to their homes. We offer on-site labs and pharmacies, spacious private rooms, and four beautiful courtyards for the enjoyment of our patients and their visitors. Our hospital is at the Carrus Health Medical campus in Sherman, Texas.
If you or a loved one needs specialized inpatient care for an extended period, call us at (903) 870-2600. You may also fill out our easy-to-use online contact form.
