An 80-year-old patient fell and fractured her hip and is now in the hospital.Before the fall,she lived at home with her husband and managed their activities of daily living very well.The goal is for the patient to recover from the injury and return to her home.The hospital is ready to discharge her because she has exceeded the recommended length of stay in a hospital.However,she cannot walk or care for herself yet,and she will require lengthy physical therapy and further monitoring of her medications and her physical and mental status.To which type of facility should she be transferred?

Question

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A skilled nursing facility (e.g.,a rehabilitation center)primarily provides skilled nursing care for patients who can be expected to improve with treatment.For example,a patient who no longer needs hospitalization may transfer to a skilled nursing facility to receive skilled care until she is able to return home.A nursing home provides custodial care for people who cannot live on their own but who are not sick enough to require hospitalization.It provides a room,custodial care,and opportunity for recreation.This patient cannot ambulate or perform activities of daily living,so outpatient therapy and home care would not be appropriate.

An 80-Year-Old Patient Fell and Fractured Her Hip and Is