A variety of factors influence where a patient is cared for.
Locations of care:
(1) acute care hospital
(2) acute long-term hospital
(3) skilled nursing facility
(4) nursing home
(5) day care center
(6) home care with or without visiting nurse
Parameters impacting choice:
(1) intensity of illness, which includes the need for monitoring and nursing care
(2) level of social support and/or ability for self-care
(3) duration
(4) cost of care
|
Location |
Intensity of Illness |
Social Support or Self-Care |
Duration of Illness |
Cost |
|
acute care hospital |
high |
NA |
short |
high |
|
acute care hospital |
moderate |
low |
short |
high |
|
acute long-term care hospital |
moderate to high |
NA |
long |
moderate |
|
skilled nursing facility |
moderate to high |
NA |
short |
moderate |
|
nursing home |
low to moderate |
low |
long |
low to moderate |
|
day care center |
low to moderate |
NA |
long |
low |
|
home care |
low |
high |
short or long |
low |
