Wartburg advance life planning logo
Read more here about patient & family journeys... 
CONTACT OUR CARE SPECIALIST 24/7    1-914-513-5126
CONTACT OUR CARE SPECIALIST 24/7 1-914-573-5569
CARE IN A FACILITY
CARE IN A FACILITY

Preparation Is Important

Moving from home or the hospital to a care facility can be stressful. Certain steps can be taken in each case. 

Helpful suggestions when changing from one care setting to another.

Below you will find brief descriptions of different types of care facilities available in Westchester County, the services they provide, and how the services are paid for.

Short-Term/Sub-Acute Rehabilitation

Sub-acute rehabilitation (also known as short-term rehabilitation) is most often used after a hospitalization. If you are recovering from surgery or have been injured, in many cases you will be discharged from the hospital to a short-term/sub-acute rehabilitation program. Short-term/sub-acute facilities provide ongoing medical intervention and nursing care (such as IV antibiotics and wound care) as well as intensive rehabilitation (physical, occupational, or speech therapy) that cannot be obtained at home or in an outpatient office.

The purpose of short-term/sub-acute rehabilitation is to restore your mobility and maximize your independence so that you can go home. It is not for individuals who only need custodial care. Medicare and most private health insurances pay for short-term/sub-acute rehabilitation.

Individuals who need custodial care are referred to long-term care in a nursing home. This may be discussed after short-term/sub-acute rehabilitation services have ended or prior to that time. Most facilities in Westchester that offer short-term/sub-acute rehabilitation also have extended services allowing for long-term care in a nursing home.
Acute Care Hospital
Depending on your medical needs, you may be transferred from one hospital to another. 
Additional information about being hospitalized in the Being Diagnosed in the Hospital section of The Guide.

Westchester has many acute care hospitals with emergency rooms. In addition, Westchester residents use hospitals in New York City and Connecticut. 

Contact information for hospitals in Westchester.

Calvary Hospital in the Bronx has a unique status as an acute long-term care hospital that provides services to individuals with advanced cancer and other serious illnesses. Admission is often provided to individuals that require longer-term acute care management that may not be best managed in a sub-acute rehabilitation program or at home.
Assisted/Independent Living
If you need more support than is available in your home but are not in need of long-term care in a nursing home, you may consider an assisted or independent living facility. Be sure to confirm what services are offered at a specific facility.
  • Independent Living – Here you are expected to manage your own life, but you are usually welcome to use the dining facilities and a meal may be included in your price. You can enjoy the social programs and other amenities (for example, residential services and on-site health care).
  • Assisted Living – More services are available here than in an independent living facility. Services may include extra help with dressing and bathing, and other personal care and daily activities, although not full-time. Additional services may include access to a full-service dining room, daily housekeeping, and laundry service.
Long-Term Care in a Nursing Home
Nursing Home care offers skilled care and custodial care, meaning the necessary medical and nursing care, as well as help with activities of daily living. Several facilities in Westchester offer a continuum of care on the same campus – Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Nursing Home.

To be sure that you find the right/most appropriate nursing home or community of services for yourself or your family member, it is important to visit the facility and to ask questions. Discussions with your primary provider and other team members are important to guarantee that you look into facilities that will best meet your needs now and in the future. Recommendations from friends are also helpful.  

Most people who enter a nursing home will live out their lives there. It is important to discuss which hospice services are available to you or your family member within the facility you are considering. You can ask this of the nursing home or contact a hospice provider directly to assure access when it will be needed.

Medicare and commercial insurance do not cover payments for nursing home care since the primary care provided is custodial. Payment for this care is usually out of pocket or by Medicaid. Planning for this can be done with a social worker, elder law attorney, or financial planner.
Share by: