An Intensive Care Unit [ICU] stabilizes patients; however, the next step is just as critical to recovery. Individuals with medically complex conditions may be ready to leave the ICU, but still require advanced monitoring, rehabilitation and time to heal. Thats where Select Specialty Hospital Camp Hill can help.Select Specialty Hospital Camp Hill is a critical illness recovery hospital. Licensed as a long-term acute care hospital (LTAC), it specializes in the medical and rehabilitative care of patients who need more time to heal from infectious diseases, surgical complications, and orthopedic, wound or post-trauma care. Many patients may also require ongoing treatment for pulmonary conditions, neurological disorders, cardiac conditions or renal disorders.Why Select Specialty Hospital?Select Specialty Hospital Camp Hill is located on the fifth floor of Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital. Its a hospital within a hospital that makes it easy for patients to continue receiving advanced services -- ventilator weaning, cardiac monitoring and dialysis -- without having to move to a different location. It also means the doctors and specialists who have cared for a patient since admission may continue to be actively involved in their care.Select Specialty Hospital Camp Hill, along with our locations in Harrisburg and York, provide care that includes daily physician visits, as well as 24-hour nursing and respiratory care. If required, physical, occupational and speech therapies are also provided. Additionally, all of our Central Pennsylvania hospitals have access to diagnostic radiology and laboratory services, an on-site pharmacy, nutritional care, dialysis and innovative speaking devices for those on ventilators. The medical staff and patients are also supported by case managers, clinical liaisons and admission coordinators. To learn more, or to take a virtual tour of Select Specialty Hospital Camp Hill, please visit camphill.selectspecialtyhospitals.com.From the moment a patient arrives at a Select Specialty Hospital, he or she receives compassionate, patient-centered care that focuses on helping that individual meet his or her specific recovery goals.

When someone in your family is sick, your only concern is finding the best care for them! When you need a hospital that can give specialized, advanced care you may need a step above an ordinary hospital. A Long Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) is a hospital that offers specialized medical, nursing and rehabilitation services for patients who need more advanced care for recovery. Patients in an LTACH typically have a chronic or medically complex medical condition that requires hospitalization for an average of 25 days or more in a facility that offers a 24/7 specialized treatment program. Long term often leads people to assume that its like a nursing facility (nursing home), but a more correct description of an LTACH, would be a post-acute care hospital a place for healing after a lengthy illness or major injury.LTACHs offer critical care or post-operative services but with a stronger recovery and rehabilitative focus allowed by the longer length of stay. Patients referred to an LTACH must meet an admission criteria designated by their insurer including Medicare, Medicaid, or other healthcare insurers.At an LTACH, patients can continue to receive intensive interventions, such as ventilator weaning, cardiac monitoring, aggressive wound management, or antibiotic infusions while being managed by a coordinated patient care team. Typical services include daily client contact by Hospitalists and/or Pulmonologists, telemetry, laboratory, pharmacy, radiology, respiratory therapy, rehabilitation, or dialysis as ordered and typically an LTACH has an intensive staff-to patient ratio.For those looking to understand what services and conditions may be available for treatment at an LTACH, the following are the most common: Extensive Wound Management Respiratory Failure Ventilator-Weaning Cardiovascular Disease COPD Congestive Heart Failure Head Injury/Trauma Amputation Infectious Diseases (including MRSA, VRE) Malnutrition Pneumonia Post-Operative Patients Renal Disease/Failure Spinal Cord Injury Stroke Trauma Dialysis (acute or end stage) Parenteral Nutrition Medically Complex PatientsMost frequent questions about LTACH Services:Is an LTACH like hospice? No. Hospice care is primarily for those not expected to recover and have a terminal illness. In contrast, the Long Term Acute Care Hospital is for patients who can be treated, recover, and then return home or to a lower level of care.Is an LTACH like a nursing home? Not at all. Patients in a Long Term Acute Care Hospital are too medically complex for nursing homes to typically accept. LTACHs offer daily physician management, 24-hour nursing care, pharmacy in-house, radiology, dialysis, 24-hour respiratory therapy, and 6 day a week rehabilitation therapy. In addition, admission to an LTACH avoids using precious skilled nursing facility days granted by Medicare.Editors Note: This article was contributed by Mary Ellen Kable. Mary Ellen is the CEO of LifeCare Hospitals of Mechanicsburg.

Warm weather is the perfect time to explore nearby museums, parks, and film festivals. Here are some fun activities for seniors in the Pittsburgh area.  Here are five suggestions:ENJOY THE PHIPPS CONSERVATORY SPRING FLOWER SHOWDescribed as a green oasis in the middle of Pittsburghs vibrant Oakland neighborhood, the Phipps Conservatory is home to 23 gardens and 14 glasshouses which showcase dozens of floral beauties. The conservatory also hosts numerous events and exhibits throughout the year, including the popular Spring Flower Show, which features seasonal favorites like alluring lilies, cheerful daffodils, bright tulips, and gorgeous hyacinths.EXPLORE ALLEGHENY NATIONAL FORESTThe mighty Allegheny National Forest (ANF) is the states premier nature preserve. There are many activities you can enjoy. Add these to your ANF itinerary:  Explore over 200 hiking trails and more than 150 biking trails. Camp at one of the 15 campgrounds featuring different cabin amenities and styles. You can book a premium cabin with electricity or unplug in a rustic, non-electric cabin. Fish in Buzzard Swamp, Twin Lakes or go for a swim in the Allegheny Reservoir This list just scratches the surface of the things you can do in the ANF.VISIT THE ANDY WARHOL MUSEUMThis museum is dedicated to celebrating the prolific artists humble origins and unique rise to pop culture fame. This institution is known for having the largest collection of Warhol art and archives in the world.STOP AT THE CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ARTDiscover artistic masterpieces at the Carnegie Museum of Art. This historic institution is the one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh which includes the Andy Warhol Museum, the Carnegie Science Center, and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. ATTEND A FILM FESTIVAL Pittsburgh, a city with rich film history, is home to many famous film festivals.  Attend the Three Rivers Film Festival which has screened thought-provoking independent films for 41 years; explore Japanese culture at the Pittsburgh Japanese Film Festival which has screened poignant live-action and anime movies like Your Name; and celebrate Jewish culture at the JFilm Festival which shows current and past films for fans of all ages. Editors Note:  Article submitted by Friendship Village of South Hills.  We love to introduce our residents to all of the great activities and attractions of Pittsburgh.  Join a vibrant retirement community that will enhance your social lifestyle.  Learn more at www.friendshipvillagepa.com.