| Acute Long Term Health Care |
| Acute care is the type of care that is usually provided in hospitals and emergency rooms. Your health insurance and Medicare will likely cover some or all of the expenses for acute care because it is usually skilled care. Acute care is usually for conditions that are treatable and you may fully recover with the right medical attention. Acute care conditions usually develop rapidly and can strike suddenly. |
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| Examples of Acute Care: Stroke, heart attack, pneumonia |
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| Chronic Long Term Health Care |
| Chronic care is the type of care that is usually provided in your home, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Your health insurance and Medicare will usually not cover chronic care because it is not considered skilled care. Chronic care is usually for conditions that are treatable but generally not curable. A lot of times they are not noticed or are ignored in the initial stages. |
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| Examples of Chronic Care: Arthritis, Diabetes, Hypertension, Alzheimers |
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| Skilled Care |
| Skilled care is the type of care that is usually delivered in skilled nursing homes, but can be received in the home as well. If the skilled care meets strict criteria set forth by Medicare, then the facility providing it is referred to as a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Medicare defines skilled care as services and rehabilitation that require the skills of technical or professional personnel such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and physical or occupational therapists. |
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| Example: Bob recently had his hip replaced. Although he is expected to recover fully, he needs physical therapy to be able to walk again. He was admitted to a skilled nursing facility to receive his therapy. He will remain there as long as he needs therapy on a daily basis and is getting better. |
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| Non-Skilled Care |
| Non-skilled care is defined as the type of care that is provided to persons who need help on a regular basis with their activities of daily living because of a physical limitation, chronic problem, or a cognitive problem. This type of care can be provided by a family member. It does not have to be performed by a medical professional like skilled care does. Non-skilled care is also known as custodial care. |
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| Example: Ruby is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. She has difficulty dressing herself and getting in and out of the bathtub. Her daughter comes to her house in the morning and evening to take care of her mother’s needs. |
