Rather recent onset or somewhat rapid change. The term “subacute” is used in contrast to acute which indicates very sudden onset or rapid change and chronic which indicates indefinite duration or virtually no change. A chronic condition is one lasting 3 months or more, by the definition of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. In ancient Greece, the “father of medicine” Hippocrates distinguished diseases that were acute (abrupt, sharp and brief) from those that were chronic. This is still a very useful distinction. Subacute has been coined to designate the mid-ground between acute and chronic.

The subacute rehabilitation program offers an expanded level of service to patients in need of short-term rehabilitation care before returning home. The flexibility of the program in caring for patients at different stages of the rehabilitation process makes it an ideal option for individuals either beginning or continuing their rehabilitation treatment.

Following a thorough evaluation by a team of physicians, nurses, dietitians and therapists, a treatment plan will be customized to meet a patient’s needs and goals. Most individuals require a combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical nutrition therapy, speech/swallowing therapy and skilled nursing care. Recreation therapy professionals incorporate a wide selection of leisure activities into the treatment plan, providing an integral link to resuming life in the community.

The treatment team is committed to restoring maximum functioning in the shortest period of time. Treatment goals may include walking, climbing stairs independently, managing daily routines, such as bathing and dressing, transfer techniques, such as getting in and out of bed, and regaining strength and endurance.

In the acute-care setting, factors contributing to an increase in the demand for medical nutrition therapy include the aging of the population, the higher acuity level of hospitalized patients, and the coexistence of malnutrition with chronic diseases. Adequate nutrition is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality from acute and chronic disease. Well-nourished persons are more resistant to disease and are better able to tolerate other therapy and to recover from acute illness, surgical interventions, and trauma. Nutrition plays a direct role in the recovery of a patient from disease or the treatment associated with the disease.