Treatments and tests

Subacute care

What is subacute care?

Subacute care is health care for people who are not severely ill but need:

  • support to regain their ability to carry out activities of daily life after an episode of illness
  • help to manage new or changing health conditions
  • assistance to live as independently as possible.

You can access subacute care in many different settings and it has many benefits. This section provides examples of the benefits of subacute care and what services are available in WA.

Benefits of subacute care

Subacute care is beneficial if you are:

  • in hospital, where the main focus is to successfully support your return to your usual place of residence and regain your independence
  • in your normal environment, where the focus is to assist you to better manage everyday tasks if you are finding them difficult.

Further information on subacute care can be found through our patients’ stories.

Subacute care in WA

Subacute care services operate in many settings including:

Man participating in rehabilitation therapy with help of physiotherapist

Stroke rehabilitation on a rehabilitation ward

  • hospitals
  • day therapy units
  • community
  • in your own home
  • specialist rehabilitation services.

Where to get help

Remember

  • Subacute care is health care for people who are not severely ill.
  • You can access subacute care in many different settings and it has many benefits.

Acknowledgements

Aged and Continuing Care Directorate


This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

Link to HealthyWA Facebook page