Confused about inpatient vs. residential rehabilitation care? Find out the key distinctions, including medical supervision, environment, skilled treatment for functional abilities, and suitability.
For many people following an accident or event, ongoing treatment following discharge from a hospital or psychiatric care facility is essential for safety and for addressing ongoing deficits.
For many, help and care are needed — but which kind of care is best?
When faced with the challenge of choosing the right type of care for yourself or a loved one, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Understanding the differences between inpatient and residential rehabilitation programs can help you make a more informed decision.
Both types of care offer unique benefits and cater to different needs, but knowing which level of care is best during the recovery and rehabilitation process can be tough.
Let’s break down what inpatient and residential rehabilitation care are, highlight key differences, and present situations in which each might be the most suitable choice.
We’ll also address common questions and concerns, making it easier for you to decide the best path forward.
What is Inpatient Care?
Inpatient care means staying in a hospital or clinical facility for a period of time to receive intensive medical monitoring and treatment.
This type of care is designed for people who need constant attention from a team of health care professionals. This includes doctors, nurses, and specialists.
Someone admitted as an inpatient may have a serious illness, need surgery, or experience a medical emergency that requires immediate and continuous supervision.
Types of Inpatient Care
Inpatient care can vary depending on the patient’s needs. Here are a few common types of inpatient care:
Acute Care
This is for sudden and severe conditions that need immediate attention, like heart attacks or severe infections.
Psychiatric care
This is for mental health crises that require a safe and supportive environment for individuals experiencing severe mental health issues.
Rehabilitation
After a major surgery or severe injury, inpatient rehabilitation helps people recover who continue to have medical care needs while also providing specialized therapy, such as occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language therapy.
How Long Does Inpatient Care Last?
Inpatient care is usually short-term. It can last from a few days to a couple of weeks. The length of stay depends on the severity and type of condition being treated.
For example, a patient recovering from surgery might stay for a week. Someone with a severe infection might need just a few days of intensive inpatient care.
Inpatient Care Services
Inpatient care offers a range of services to ensure individuals receive the best possible treatment and support.
24/7 Medical Supervision
Individuals are monitored around the clock by healthcare professionals to quickly address any changes in their condition.
Medication Management
Nurses and doctors manage and administer medications to understand the effects of different medications for each person and to optimize dosages and timing to maximize their effects.
Specialized Treatments and Surgeries
Inpatient programs are equipped to perform complex medical procedures and provide specialized ongoing treatments not offered in outpatient settings.
What is Residential Rehabilitation?
Residential rehabilitation involves 24 hour care in a home-like environment that may provide ongoing specialized services and support for individuals who have stabilized their medical conditions but who still can benefit from ongoing treatment to address safety and independence in their abilities, adjustment to disability and community participation for successful long-term outcomes.
Unlike inpatient care, residential care is designed for those who may require continuous but less intensive medical oversight. It offers a more home-like setting where people can receive the treatments and specialized care they need while gaining as much independence as possible.
Types of Residential Rehabilitation Programs
Like inpatient care, residential rehabilitation programs comes in many different forms:
- Therapeutic residential rehabilitation for brain injury – These programs create an environment of care which maximizes opportunity to practice skills which have been affected by a neurologic injury or accident such as brain, stroke or spinal cord injury. A full team of skilled therapists unique to each person’s rehabilitation needs address abilities, behavior, communication, cognition, adjustment to disability and community participation.
- Therapeutic residential care and rehabilitation for behavioral health issues – These programs provide a structured environment for individuals dealing with behavioral health challenges. They may provide behavioral therapy including applied behavior analysis and trauma informed care, counseling, and family support to help create prosocial behavior, increase safety and independence.
- Substance abuse rehabilitation programs – Residential rehab centers focus on helping individuals overcome addiction. They offer a safe and supportive space for recovery with access to counseling and medical support.
- Long-term care for elderly or disabled individuals – This type of care provides ongoing assistance with daily activities for seniors or people with disabilities. It ensures they receive support to maintain their quality of life.
How Long Does Residential Rehabilitation Last?
Residential rehabilitation may extend from a few months to years. The duration depends on the individual’s specific needs and progress.
Some people may benefit from temporary treatment to recover and stabilize, while others might require lifelong support. Some programs may provide aging-in-place options for individuals with long-term support needs who continue to require a high level of structured support in the community for success and safety.
Residential Rehabilitation Program Services
Residential rehabilitation programs provide a range of therapeutic services to support each individual’s well-being.
- Structured environment with therapeutic activities – People engage in therapies (OT, PT, ST, and behavioral) in the real-world environment of a home and the community. In planned activities designed to promote cognitive, physical, emotional, behavioral, communicatio,n and mental health skill building, people practice the skills they need to return to safe independence at home. This may include individual and group therapies, exercise programs, and recreational skill building in the real world of the community.
- Daily living assistance – This includes guided opportunities to re-learn everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. It ensures people can live with safety and independence.
- Continuous supervision and support – Life skills trainers and care partners are available around the clock to provide supervision and assistance and to extend therapy activities to the real world. This offers peace of mind for people and their families.
Inpatient vs. Residential Rehabilitation Programs: Key Differences
Let’s look at the main differences in medical supervision, environment, focus of care, and patient independence.
Level of Medical Supervision
The level of medical supervision differs between inpatient and residential rehabilitation.
- Inpatient care provides intensive medical monitoring. Healthcare professionals, including physicians are present around the clock to manage and treat serious conditions. This ensures any medical emergencies or changes in a patient’s condition are addressed immediately.
- Residential rehabilitation provides medical oversight. The focus is on supporting daily living and long-term recovery rather than acute medical needs. Medical staff are available and accessible, but supervision is less intensive than inpatient care.
Environment
The different environments in which care is provided greatly affect the experience of individuals.
- Inpatient care takes place in a hospital or clinical setting and is designed for medical treatment and monitoring.
- Residential rehabilitation is provided in a more home-like environment. These programs are designed to maximize skill development in the real world of a home and in the community with daily focus placed on skill practice to regain abilities needed for safety and independence when returning home.
Focus of Care
The primary focus of care also differs significantly between inpatient and residential settings.
- Inpatient care focuses on acute, immediate medical needs. Individuals receive intensive treatment aimed at stabilizing their condition and addressing urgent health issues.
- Residential Rehabilitation –concentrates on long-term recovery of function and daily living support. The goal is to help people gain function, manage their conditions, and improve their safety, independence, and quality of life over time.
Patient Independence
The level of independence afforded to patients and residents is another key difference.
- Inpatient care –usually involves restricted patient mobility due to the need for close medical supervision and intensive treatment. Patients often have limited freedom for activity outside of the facility.
- Residential care encourages independence and social interaction in the real world of the home and the community. People participate in daily activities needed to live independently, socialize with others, and gain more self-control over the structure of their daily routines.
When Does Each Type of Care Work Best?
Choosing the right type of care depends on the specific needs of the individual and at what stage of the rehabilitation journey they are in.
Residential Rehabilitation is Best When…
Residential rehabilitation is required for individuals in need of necessary additional rehabilitation opportunities for skill development, adjustment to disability, safety, and independent community participation following an accident, injur,y or event.
It’s ideal for those who require support with daily activities and can benefit from a structured living environment. Residential rehabilitation improves outcomes and reduces hospital readmissions for people with stable conditions who require ongoing therapy services and support.
The homelike setting and continuous opportunities for skill development help people live as independently as possible while receiving the assistance and safe environment of skill practice they need.
Inpatient Care is Best When…
Inpatient care is suitable for individuals with acute medical or psychiatric conditions in need of immediate and intensive intervention.
This type of care is necessary for those who require round-the-clock medical supervision and treatment from physicians. It is ideal for short-term stabilization.
Inpatient care provides services prior to a potential transition to a lower care level, such as residential rehabilitation or outpatient services.
The focus is on addressing urgent health issues and stabilizing the patient’s condition quickly and effectively.
Residential Rehabilitation vs. Inpatient Care FAQ
Which is better for mental health treatment?
It depends on the patient’s situation.
Residential rehabilitation is often better for long-term, ongoing therapy. It provides a stable environment where individuals can work on their mental health over an extended period, with continuous support and therapeutic activities.
Inpatient care is essential for immediate psychiatric crises. It offers intensive treatment to stabilize the individual, ensure their safety, and address severe symptoms quickly.
What items should be packed for inpatient vs residential care?
For inpatient care, only essential items such as personal hygiene products and comfortable clothing are needed. It’s best to leave valuables at home to prevent loss or damage. Hospital stays are usually short-term, so just the basics are recommended.
For residential rehabilitation, personal items that provide comfort, like photos or other momentos, can be helpful. It’s essential to pack any necessary medications and important documentation. Since the treatment provided at this level of care is often longer, personal touches can make the environment feel more like home and can help orient people.
Can you transition from inpatient to residential rehabilitation?
Yes, transitioning from inpatient to residential rehabilitation is common after a patient begins to recover.
Inpatient care provides initial treatment needed to manage acute conditions. Residential rehabilitation supports functional skill development and ongoing recovery. This transition helps ensure continuity of care for individuals to continue their healing journey in a supportive, real world environment where needed skills will be practiced for lifetime use.
How does payment work for each type of care?
Inpatient care costs are often covered by health insurance, but out-of-pocket expenses can be high. It’s essential to understand what your insurance covers and be prepared for potential additional costs.
Residential rehabilitation payments vary greatly by state and can be made through Medicaid, commercial insurances, workers compensation insurances, private pay, veterans health care, long-term care insurance, lien on litigation or other funding sources. However, payment may also come out-of-pocket, too.
You can find more information about residential rehabilitation funding solutions here.
Different programs offer various payment options, so it’s important to research and understand the financial aspects before making a decision.
What are the success rates?
Success rates for both types of care vary by condition and individual.
Both inpatient and residential care can be effective with follow-up and support from a specialized provider.. Success often depends on the individual’s specific needs, the type of accident, injury or condition, the quality of care provided, and their engagement with the treatment process.
Regular assessments and adjustments to the care plan can also play an important role in achieving positive outcomes.
How do I choose the right type of care?
For immediate and severe issues, inpatient care might be necessary. For ongoing support with chronic health conditions, residential rehabilitation may be most appropriate to achieve long term gains.
Your best option is to consult with healthcare professionals. They can provide valuable recommendations tailored to an individual’s needs.
Additionally, consider financial aspects and personal preferences. This may include the desired level of independence and environment that would be most beneficial.
How are family involvement and visits handled?
With inpatient care, family visits may be limited due to the medical setting. Hospitals often have strict visiting hours and policies to ensure that individuals receive necessary rest and care without interruptions.
In contrast, residential rehabilitation often encourages family participation in the care plan and active rehabilitation process. Many programs support regular visits and inclusion in therapy sessions and activities to support recovery and well-being and to help train families for ongoing support needs.
Get Your Loved Ones the Care They Need
For many people living with persistent signs and symptoms following injury, accident or event, residential rehabilitation treatment is the care they need — and NeuroRestorative can help.
NeuroRestorative provides a personalized treatment plan to best support every person’s specific skill development needs and goals.
Discover more about how we can help today! Call 800-743-6802 or visit us at neurorestorative.com
