Post-Acute Care

Post-acute care includes rehabilitation or palliative services that patients receive after (or in some cases, instead of) a stay in an acute care hospital. Post-acute care is dependent upon the level of care the patient requires, and treatment may include a stay in a facility, ongoing outpatient therapy, or care provided at home.

Post-acute care providers play an essential role in ensuring that discharged patients receive the care they need and have a smooth transition back into a community-based setting.  WHA is developing initiatives and resources to support hospitals and health systems as they respond to the changes in the post-acute care environment and develop effective partnerships with post-acute providers.