Subacute care facilities are a great option for elderly patients who need temporary care beyond what they could receive at home or in a typical nursing facility. While most patients only stay in subacute care for weeks to months, sadly, abuse can and does occur in these facilities.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of abuse in a subacute care facility, you have legal options.

What is Subacute Care?

Subacute care is a level of care between hospital-level care and care provided in a long-term care facility, like a nursing home or assisted living facility. Patients at subacute care facilities require less intensive care than hospitals provide, but more care and monitoring than long-term care facilities provide.

Subacute care is often used for patients who:

• Are recovering from surgery, illness, stroke or injury.
• Are transitioning home after hospitalization.
• Require skilled nursing care, such as IV medications, wound care or physical therapy.
• Have chronic or complex medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, diabetes or kidney failure. 
• Are ventilator-dependent or need respiratory support.
• Are undergoing cardiac monitoring and rehabilitation.

Patients in subacute care facilities may receive medical treatments and physical, occupational, speech or respiratory therapies. The goal is for patients to regain enough independence and function to return home or transition to lower-level care.

Types of Abuse in Subacute Care Facilities

The most common types of abuse that occur in subacute care facilities include:

1. Physical abuse, such as hitting, pushing, restraining or other physical violence.
2. Emotional abuse, such as yelling, intimidation, humiliation or isolation.
3. Neglect, or failure to meet a patient’s basic needs, like food, water, hygiene and medical care, among others.
4. Medication mismanagement, such giving too much or too little medication, improperly administering medication or making medication errors.

Less commonly, sexual abuse and financial exploitation also take place in subacute care.

What to Do If You Have Been a Victim of Subacute Care Facility Abuse

If you or a relative has suffered abuse in a subacute care facility, safety should be your first priority. The victim should leave or be removed from the facility immediately and given any necessary medical or mental health treatment.

Once they are safe, it is time to take action. You may have a case for financial compensation. An attorney who specializes in elder abuse and neglect can help you pursue funds to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.

Peck Law Group is ready and available to serve victims of subacute care facility abuse in California. Our lawyers have dedicated their careers to advocating for victims of elder abuse and neglect both inside and outside the courtroom.

If you are worried about how to afford an attorney ⸺ don’t be. Peck Law Group works on a contingency-fee basis. This means you will not be charged for our services until you are paid through a settlement or lawsuit. 

Reach out today for a free legal consultation to learn more about how we can help you with you subacute care facility abuse case. You can reach us at 866-999-9085 or premierlegal.org/evaluation/.

Steven Peck, ESQ.

About the Author

Attorney Steven Peck has been practicing law since 1981. Within the first three years, after some colleagues and friend’s parents endured nursing home neglect and elder abuse, he continued his education to protect those involved in personal injuries. For over 43 years, his dedication has been unyielding. Steve's approach to client representation and care is deeply respected by his colleagues and clients alike. Steven Peck has extensive trial experience and has recovered tens of millions of dollars in damages for clients.