Speech Therapy
Subacute

Speech therapy subacute setting is a wonderful option for a speech-language pathologist. I have worked in this setting and there are many benefits to this job setting. However, as with everything in life, there are a few cons as well.

If you are thinking of working in this setting, read below to see if it is a right fit for you! 

Speech Therapy Subacute Setting: Pros

1. Hours & Schedule                                                                          

Your work day typical runs 7:30-4:00. I never worked at a facility where speech pathologists worked weekends or holidays.

Due to changing Medicare rules, I don’t know if this is still true. 

2. Dysphagia                                                                                    

You must like dysphagia to work in subacute care. The ability to chew and swallow food safely in necessary for life, obviously. However, eating brings comfort, opportunities for socialization, and a better quality of life. Therefore, I find this work very rewarding. 

3. Continuum of care                                                                              

In subacute settings, patients may be permanent residents or at least staying a few weeks. This allows a speech therapist to see patients daily, create functional goals, and actually work on them! In hospitals, patients are discharged very quickly. Therefore, this continuum of care if nice. There is less worry about no-shows or insurance not approving sessions too.

4. Develop strong relationships with patients and caregivers                

You get to know your patients and their caregivers well. It is fantastic to have their input. Goals are based on what they WANT to work on and not just what we, as professionals, think is the most beneficial. When everyone is on the same page, therapy is more functional!

5. Compensation                                                                                     

Typically, salary for speech-language pathologists in subacute settings is the highest compared to all the other settings.

Speech Therapy Subacute Setting: Cons

1. Productivity                                                                                      

In most subacute and long term care facilities, there are high productivity demands. This can make a job all about the numbers and not about the patients.  If you are considering doing speech therapy in a subacute setting, I suggest inquiring about the productivity expectations.

2. Insurance and Medicare                                                                            

Meeting Medicare minutes can be stressful. 

3. Patients pass away                                                                          

There is more “end of life” issues in this setting which is difficult at times. The silver lining there is a lot of patient advocacy and education you can do with end- of-life, quality of life, and dysphagia.