Deciding on the proper care pathway can feel overwhelming when a loved one needs more care than you know you can provide. Many people mistakenly assume that long-term care is the next step after living alone becomes unsustainable, but the decision does not need to be so definitive..

Whether your loved one is recovering from an injury or seeking rehabilitation after surgery, there's a host of alternatives that can make sense, like short-term care, skilled nursing care, transitional or respite care.

Consider the timeline and type of care necessary 

“'Temporary' is the key word when thinking about short-term care,” says Renee M., a nurse liaison at Sabal Palms Health & Rehabilitation at The Palms of Largo in Florida, a community managed by The Goodman Group. 

Recent CDC data shows that 9 in 10 older adults report having at least one chronic condition, with nearly 8 in 10 having two or more. This trend extends beyond older adults; approximately 6 in 10 young adults and 8 in 10 midlife adults also report having at least one chronic condition. Overall, this represents about 194 million American adults living with chronic conditions. At the same time, people are staying healthy and living longer than ever. “Many people just need assistance while getting back up to their higher level of functioning so they can return home,” explains Renee.

“We provide care for folks recovering from a temporary illness or needing extra attention after surgery,” says Renee, “or if a primary caregiver needs to be away for an extended period of time.” In these situations, many families find that short-term care is an appealing option.

Communities that offer short-term care can provide a range of individualized rehabilitation services. For example, individuals may have access to expert physical therapists to help regain physical strength, occupational therapists to readjust daily activities or even speech therapists to rebuild communication patterns. These care teams create a goal-oriented recovery program designed around the needs of the individual.

Depending on the nature of the incident, readjusting and adapting to new lifestyles can be easier with specialty support nearby. “It gives families peace of mind while their loved one recovers,” adds Renee, “and they’ll likely be more successful coping once they are back home.”

Understanding Your Care Options: Skilled Nursing vs. Transitional Care

When exploring short-term care options, it can be helpful to understand the differences between skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and transitional care units (TCUs). While both provide rehabilitation services, they serve different needs. 

Skilled nursing facilities focus on providing round-the-clock medical care and rehabilitation for those with more complex medical needs, often for stays lasting several weeks to months. 

Transitional care units typically serve individuals who may need less than 21 days of intensive rehabilitation before returning home. Your healthcare team can help guide you toward the setting that best matches your loved one's specific recovery needs and timeline.

When is short-term care not enough?

Renee also adds that deciding to pursue short-term care is often an entry point for beginning to discuss what the future holds. Sometimes, a physician will make the recommendation for rehabilitation before surgery, but Renee says that "there's no telling prior to any procedure how the resident is going to move through care."

Renee characterizes short-term care as "a step on a journey" toward a lifestyle that works for them–and that journey often starts after a surgery or emergency puts a senior in short-term care. Recent data shows that approximately 94.9% of adults age 60 and older have at least one chronic condition, while 78.7% have two or more. This trend is expected to continue.

If your loved one’s ailments are linked to a chronic condition that might be progressive, short-term care might not be the best option.

Signs That Short-Term Care May Be Right for Your Loved One

There are several situations where short-term care can provide valuable support for your loved one's recovery. You might consider this option when recovery from surgery or hospitalization requires professional rehabilitation services, or when medication management has become more complex than what can be safely managed at home. Short-term care can also be beneficial when multiple therapies such as physical, occupational and speech services would be most effective when coordinated together. 

These facilities provide peace of mind through round-the-clock monitoring during recovery, and can offer family caregivers a much-needed opportunity for respite. Each situation is unique, and short-term care facilities are designed to provide comprehensive support tailored to individual needs.

Cognitive and ambulatory assessments help short-term care specialists determine if a resident's state of health can support their return home for the long-term. However, Renee says she also considers a resident's home life when evaluating whether or not they should transition to senior living. 

"Even if they have family and loved ones they trust nearby," she says, "their family may not fully understand the need for additional intervention."

Making an Informed Decision: Questions to Consider

As you explore short-term care options, having thoughtful conversations with your family and healthcare team can help guide your decision. You might want to discuss what level of medical supervision would be the best for your loved one and get a sense of the expected recovery timeline. It's also helpful to understand which therapies and services are included in the care plan and how insurance coverage works for different care settings. Additionally, discussing what might happen if recovery takes longer than initially expected can help you feel more prepared for various outcomes. 

These conversations can help families feel more confident in their decisions.

Planning for Coverage and Next Steps

Understanding insurance coverage for short-term rehabilitation can feel like a lot, but support is available. Most short-term rehabilitation stays have some level of insurance coverage, though the specifics vary by policy and provider. 

Generally, insurance may cover skilled nursing care following a qualifying hospital stay, with the duration of coverage often depending on medical necessity and progress in therapy. Different policies may have specific requirements about community certification as well. The good news is that discharge planners and admissions teams at care communities are experienced in helping families understand these details and can work with you to clarify coverage and help avoid unexpected costs.

It's normal to feel overwhelmed by decisions after something impacts your loved one's health. Seniors and their loved ones should consult their physician, family and short-term care specialists to determine the care option that's right for them.