Navigating the world of healthcare can sometimes feel like threading a needle in a blizzard. There are a myriad of terms and phrases that can leave anyone feeling confused. But worry not; today, we will delve into a significant part of Intermediate Care. It is a crucial part of healthcare that many people rely on, particularly after hospitalization or during recovery from a significant health event. This guide will be your compass, guiding you through how it works, who benefits from it, and why it is essential. We will also take a closer look at the role of an intermediate care RN.
- What Is Intermediate Care?
- How Does Intermediate Care Work?
- Who Needs Intermediate Care?
- Intermediate Care and Reablement
- Why Do People Need Intermediate Care?
- How Much Does Intermediate Care Cost?
- Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
- The Role of an Intermediate Care RN
- Intermediate Long-Term Care
- Next Steps
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Request A Quote
What Is Intermediate Care?
At its core, Intermediate Care is a holistic, patient-focused approach designed to provide short-term support for individuals who do not need hospital care but are not yet capable of independently performing daily activities. This middle-ground service offers crucial support between hospital and home, illness and recovery.
Think of it like a bridge. On one side, you have acute hospital care; on the other, you have home or residential care. Intermediate Care is that solid structure in between, ensuring a safe and effective transition from one side to the other.
How Does Intermediate Care Work?
In essence, Intermediate Care provides tailored care packages designed to aid individuals in regaining their independence. The services can range from rehabilitative therapies, nursing care, personal care, or home help, typically delivered within intermediate care units or through in-home support services.
It’s like having a personal fitness coach who understands your health constraints and tailors a program to help you regain strength and independence.
Who Needs Intermediate Care?
Intermediate Care benefits individuals of any age who are recuperating from acute illness or surgery, those with long-term conditions, and older people with frailty who require support to regain or maintain their independence.
For example, an older adult recovering from hip replacement surgery might need physiotherapy and personal care assistance for a few weeks. During this period, they could benefit from Intermediate Care services, which would support them in their journey back to independence.
Intermediate Care and Reablement
Reablement plays a significant role within Intermediate Care, helping individuals relearn the skills and abilities they may have lost due to poor health or after a hospital stay. Imagine a stroke survivor who, with the help of a professional reablement team, gradually relearns how to prepare meals or dress independently. That’s the transformative power of Intermediate Care and reablement.
Why Do People Need Intermediate Care?
Intermediate Care provides a supportive transition from hospital to home, reducing the likelihood of readmission and facilitating faster recovery. Furthermore, it eases the burden on acute care hospitals and long-term care facilities, providing a necessary balance within the healthcare system.
How Much Does Intermediate Care Cost?
According to Genworth, the annual median cost for intermediate long-term care in 2020 is:
- Homemaker Services: $53,768
- Home Health Aides: $54,912
- Adult Day Care: $19,240
- Assisted Living Facilities: $51,600
- Nursing Home Semi-Private Room: $93,075
- Nursing Home Private Room: $105,850
Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Intermediate Care is not only for those recovering from physical ailments. Intermediate Care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities provide a spectrum of therapeutic and support services. These specialized facilities are committed to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to lead fulfilling lives, ensuring they receive necessary life skills training and tailored therapeutic interventions.
The Role of an Intermediate Care RN
The role of an Intermediate Care RN is akin to a vigilant guardian angel for the patients. These registered nurses possess specialized skills to monitor patients not in critical condition but still require more care than what’s provided in general wards. Their keen observations, accurate assessments, and swift interventions often make a significant difference in the recovery journeys of their patients.
Intermediate Long-Term Care
While Intermediate Care is often short-term, there are cases where patients require intermediate long-term care. This is particularly relevant for individuals with chronic diseases or disabilities who require ongoing support but at a less intensive level than in a hospital or a skilled nursing facility.
Next Steps
To sum up, Intermediate Care is essential to the healthcare continuum. It provides a compassionate, safe, and effective bridge between hospital and home, supporting patients on their road to recovery and independence. Whether it’s a recovering patient, an individual with intellectual disabilities, or a dedicated Intermediate Care RN, this model of care emphasizes putting people first, empowering them to live healthier, more independent lives.
Request A Quote
Get help or a quote from a licensed financial professional. This service is free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be in intermediate care?
Intermediate care units are intended to offer a level of care between the ICU and the general ward. They are not meant for long-term care. They may be an independent unit or a designated section within an ICU.
What are intermediate care services?
Intermediate care services aim to prevent hospitalization or residential care by assisting patients, usually older people, who have been discharged from the hospital or are at risk of being admitted.
What is intermediate care NHS?
If you or someone you know has recently been hospitalized, fallen ill, or suffered an injury, temporary care may be necessary to assist with recovery and maintain independence. This type of care is often referred to as intermediate care or aftercare.
What is intermediate care rehabilitation?
Intermediate care is a range of services prioritizing prevention, rehabilitation, reablement, and recovery. These services can serve as an alternative to hospitalization and offer additional assistance following a hospital discharge.
What is bed-based intermediate care?
Step Up Community Bed-based Intermediate Care cares for patients at risk of hospital admission in a bed-based setting. This includes patients in their last years or months but not their last days. The aim is to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
How long do you stay in intermediate care?
We plan to shorten the stay in intermediate care and rapid response teams to a maximum of 2 weeks instead of 6. Additionally, we will increase the number of beds available for HMR residents through virtual and intermediate care options. Lastly, we will introduce a GP-led service that prioritizes rehabilitation and re-enablement.