In Episode 4 of Conditions That Matter: A Clinical Focus Series for Post-Acute Success, Dr. Frank Elterman, Medical Director, and Sara Maus, Director of Operations at Prestige Outpatient Providers, tackle one of the most overwhelming moments families face: finding the right level of care after a hospital stay.
As Sara notes, “some of the most important health care decisions families make happen after the hospital stay, not inside the hospital itself.” This episode is a practical guide to navigating the post-acute journey, designed, in Dr. Elterman’s words, to be “less focused on the buildings themselves… and more for the families.”
Together they unpack the difference between rehabilitation and long-term care, and demystify the settings families encounter: skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, memory care, inpatient rehab facilities (IRFs), long-term acute care hospitals (LTCHs), and continuing care communities. Dr. Elterman explains how insurance shapes length of stay, why the “three midnight” inpatient rule matters, and why the newest or most beautiful building isn’t always the best choice.
Most importantly, they share the questions every family should ask before a loved one is discharged, from weekend therapy coverage to staffing stability and star ratings. As Sara puts it, “Asking questions isn’t being difficult. It’s being an advocate.”
Whether you’re a healthcare professional guiding a transition or a family member making a decision for someone you love, this conversation offers clarity, confidence, and hope.
Connect with the hosts at:
Sara Maus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-maus-9b4408197/
Dr. Frank Elterman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-elterman-a25a8161/
Subscribe now and join the conversation about elevating post-acute care across your community.
Brought to you by Prestige Outpatient Providers
www.prestigeoutpatient.com
