Treatments and tests

Subacute care in hospitals

Inpatient subacute care services are provided in 4 main areas:

  • rehabilitation
  • geriatric evaluation and management (GEM)
  • psychogeriatric care
  • palliative care.

Rehabilitation

Inpatient rehabilitation services help to improve your function when you have been admitted to a hospital with a health condition, so you can return to live independently in the community.

While in hospital, you will receive:

  • therapy from health professionals specialising in rehabilitation
  • ongoing support in the community, if required.

Inpatient rehabilitation services are provided at these metropolitan hospitals:

Inpatient rehabilitation services are provided at these country hospitals:

  • Albany Hospital
  • Bunbury Hospital at South West Health Campus
  • Geraldton Hospital
  • Kalgoorlie Hospital

General rehabilitation with geriatrician support is provided at these hospitals:

  • Hedland Health Campus
  • Broome Health Campus

Geriatric Evaluation and Management

Inpatient Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) is care to help improve your function if you have multiple or complex health conditions related to ageing, so you can return to live independently in the community.

While in hospital, you will receive therapy from health professionals specialising in GEM, and ongoing support in the community if required.

Inpatient GEM services are provided at these metropolitan hospitals:

Psychogeriatric care

Psychogeriatric care includes managing and improving the health, functionality, behaviour and quality of life for patients with:

  • age-related organic brain impairment
  • other physical condition accompanied by:
    • severe psychiatric
    • behavioural disturbance.

Psychogeriatric care is provided at these metropolitan hospitals:

Palliative care

Palliative care includes managing and supporting the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs of people with life-limiting illnesses. Palliative care focuses on optimising quality of life whether in hospital, at home or in a residential aged care facility.

It includes grief and bereavement support for carers and family.

Inpatient palliative care is provided at these hospitals:

Some palliative care services exist in rural regions, usually organised and delivered by:

  • nurse coordinators
  • general practitioners.

Search the National Palliative Care Service Directory (external site) for details.

Where to get help

Remember

  • Inpatient Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) helps you to return to live independently in the community.
  • Psychogeriatric care includes managing and improving your health, functionality, behaviour and quality of life.
  • Palliative care includes managing and supporting the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs of people.

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.

See also

Link to HealthyWA Facebook page