Inpatient rehabilition vs. skilled nursing facility

Inpatient Rehabilitation, also known as acute rehab, is a hospital-level program designed for patients recovering from a serious illness, injuries or surgeries who require intensive therapy to regain function. Typical patients include those recovering from strokes, major orthopedic procedures (such as knee or hip replacement), traumatic brain injuries or other complex medical conditions. Patients generally received approximately three hours of therapy per day, five to seven days a week. This includes physical therapy, occupations therapy and speech therapy, while being closely monitored by a physician and multidisciplinary team of nurses, therapists, social workers and case managers. It is considered an acute stay because patients are medically complex and still require daily hospital-level supervision and monitoring for potential complications. Average length of stay for a IPR ranges from 7-14 days, with a maximum of 20 days. In some cases, patients may qualify for additional rehabilitation in a Skilled Nursing Facility prior to returning home.

In contrast, Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF's) provide post-acute care and rehabilitation for patients who are more medically stable and do not require the same level of intensive medical oversight. Therapy in a skilled nursing setting is typically less intensive, often lasting 30 to 60 minutes per day, and patients receive regular nursing care with physician (Facility Medical Director) oversight on a weekly basis. While the goal in both settings it to help patients recover and regain independence, inpatient rehab focuses on rapid functional improvement under daily physician supervision, whereas skilled nursing offers a step-down level of care that continues rehabilitation and medical support until patients are ready to safely return home. Most SNF's length of stay average anywhere from a week, up to three months. Length of stay varies depending on patient needs, therapy participation and insurance approval.