What does “Continuum of Care” Mean?

The term “continuum of care” is intertwined with the idea of “integration.” The continuum can be simple or complicated, depending upon the complexity and severity of the injury, the individual’s activities, age and other factors. In effect, on an individual (micro) level, a continuum of care can be viewed as a system of integrated care based upon all of those factors.

Think about it this way: Suppose you are playing softball and you break your arm. All other things being equal, a basic continuum would probably follow a course resembling this:

• An ambulance or paramedic unit would be summoned, or you would have someone drive you to the emergency room for acute medical care;
• The paramedic would stabilize your arm with a splint or other device;
• At the acute care facility, you would check in for healthcare services, arrange for the payment for your care, be triaged and treated by a member of the medical staff;
• X-rays would likely be taken to identify the severity, location and type of fracture;
• Pain medication may be administered;
• A physician would examine the X-rays and perhaps determine that a cast/splint or other device should be placed on your arm to immobilize it, but no further treatment is necessary;
• You are discharged, either with or without additional medications but with follow-up care instructions, probably including not playing softball for a certain period of time;
• If you are admitted to the acute care facility (hospital), your continuum of care changes and a typical one is outlined a little later in this blog.

A continuum of care is even more critical when traumatic and catastrophic injuries are involved and specialized treatment and rehabilitation is needed. This is because a greater range of care is demanded. And we might consider this use of the term to be on a “macro” level. “Continuum of care” therefore connotes the guidance and tracking of an individual over a period of time and through a comprehensive system — and levels — of health services. The levels may start with acute care, such as for a traumatic brain injury, a spinal cord injury or other types of catastrophic or traumatic injuries. After acute care, the individual may advance toward rehabilitation by therapists, RNs and other professionals. After that stage of care has concluded, specialized rehabilitation, neurobehavioral care, supported living and other post-acute rehabilitation may be required, which are further advancements along the continuum of care. Early intervention is critical.

Below is the flow of a typical continuum of care following a traumatic injury:

• Trauma center (hospital)

• Specialty sub-acute care and rehabilitation

• Long-term acute care

• Acute-care rehabilitation

• Post-acute residential rehabilitation

• Supported living program

• Outpatient rehabilitation while living at home

The goal of keeping a client moving forward along the continuum of care is to avoid moving backward (e.g., readmission to the hospital for acute care or to a specialized rehabilitation program for additional post-acute care). The greater understanding medical professionals, caregivers (such as family members) and the client have of the importance of progressing along the continuum or sustaining a successful outcome, the greater the likelihood of sustained success.

At NeuLife, the development of a customized Client Goal Plan and the administration of clinically relevant services geared to the nature and extent of the client’s needs, with the goal of achieving the greatest level of independence and successful sustained outcomes, is key to establishing the continuum of care and positively contributing to it.

NeuLife’s philosophy is that healing, wellness and personal fulfillment are best accomplished in a positive and uplifting therapeutic environment where caring staff encourage, assist and support each client so he or she may achieve specific goals. NeuLife believes personal fulfillment is equally as important as goals to increase function and independence. NeuLife seeks to achieve, for all of its clients, maximized, sustained outcomes that exceed the expectations of all persons served.

NeuLife, in Mount Dora, Florida, is a fully accessible residential post-acute program providing specialized rehabilitation to individuals diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic amputations and other catastrophic injuries.

2725 Robie Avenue

Mount Dora, Florida 32757