A woman in a rehab facility considers her options when short-term care becomes long-term.

Know Your Options When Short-Term Care Becomes Long-Term

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The plan was straightforward: Mom or Dad would stay in rehab briefly, regain strength, and return home. But then, things slowed down. The calendar flipped past the expected discharge date. Now, the talk has shifted toward “extended care” or “nursing home placement”—and the change feels overwhelming. What can you do when short-term care becomes long-term?

Why Short-Term Rehab Can Become Long-Term

Rehab facilities are designed for temporary recovery after illness, surgery, or injury. But progress can be delayed due to:

  • New medical concerns like weakness or disorientation
  • Difficulty performing daily activities
  • Safety concerns for living alone

If discharge goals aren’t met, rehab stays can easily turn from temporary to indefinite.

Home Care Can Offer Another Way

Home care is often overlooked in these situations, but it can provide the necessary support to make a safe return home possible. It can be:

  • Short-term for continued recovery
  • Ongoing for chronic needs
  • Flexible to match your loved one’s situation

From help with bathing and mobility to medication reminders and meal prep, home care can cover a wide range of needs—and work alongside skilled medical professionals.

Important Questions to Ask First

Before committing to a permanent facility stay, ask:

  • What’s preventing discharge right now?
  • Could those needs be met at home with support?
  • What care plan would make home safe and sustainable?

There are often transitional care programs designed for this exact scenario.

Home Is Still Within Reach

Even when rehab takes longer than expected, it doesn’t have to mean the end of the goal of returning home. With professional home care, your loved one can have:

  • A safe environment they know and trust
  • Help with mobility and daily tasks
  • Companionship to lift their spirits
  • Relief for the entire family

If you’re weighing the possibility of a long-term facility, call CareWorks Health Services at (949) 859-4700. We serve Laguna Woods, Huntington Beach, Seal Beach, and throughout Orange County, helping families choose home care when it’s the right fit.