Baylor Scott & White Continuing Care Hospital is a highly advanced medical facility located in Temple, Texas, dedicated to providing comprehensive therapies for patients who require extended hospital stays. With a capacity of 48 private treatment rooms, the hospital offers a modern, patient-focused environment and 24-hour access to a multidisciplinary team of physicians. The facility stands apart by offering acute care services rather than chronic care, meaning it focuses on active, short-term treatment for those recovering from severe medical events or surgeries. Its patient population typically includes individuals who are critically ill and have complex conditions, often relying on advanced technology such as ventilators, specialized monitors, or dialysis for their recovery.
The average length of stay at Baylor Scott & White Continuing Care Hospital is about 25 days, reflecting the intensive level of care required for its patient base. This hospital is known for its individualized approach, assembling teams of physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and specialists in physical, occupational, and speech therapy to address the unique needs of each patient. Weekly meetings among these specialists ensure that each case receives focused attention and that treatment plans are regularly evaluated and adjusted for the best outcomes.
One distinctive feature of Baylor Scott & White Continuing Care Hospital is the presence of an on-site dialysis center and a computed tomography (CT) scanner, which support the complex needs of patients during their recovery. While the facility provides care for a broad range of conditions, it generally only admits patients who meet long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) criteria. This designation means that most patients are highly complex or critically ill, commonly requiring services such as respiratory therapy, intravenous antibiotics, complex wound management, and post-surgical care. Admission to the hospital involves a collaborative decision between the attending physician and the facility’s accepting physician, ensuring that the patient would truly benefit from the specialized level of care provided.
The focus at Baylor Scott & White Continuing Care Hospital is to deliver aggressive and highly specialized acute care with the goal of discharging patients to their homes whenever possible. Unlike traditional nursing homes, palliative care facilities, or hospices, this hospital does not admit nursing home patients and is not designed for end-of-life care. Instead, it serves as a vital transitional facility, helping patients who are too ill or complex for standard hospital discharge but are not appropriate for custodial or long-term residential care. Upon discharge, some patients may continue their recovery within the facility’s skilled nursing unit, while others may transition to other levels of care based on their progress and unique circumstances.
In addition to high-level medical and therapeutic services, Baylor Scott & White Continuing Care Hospital provides an array of patient and family support options. Teams of customer service representatives and financial counselors are available to help patients and their families navigate billing, insurance, and payment arrangements, reflecting the hospital's commitment to transparency and patient-centered financial practices. The facility also encourages involvement in discharge planning, working alongside patients and their families from the moment of admission to ensure a smooth transition to the next phase of recovery.
The tradition of comprehensive, multispecialty care that defines Baylor Scott & White Health is deeply embedded within the Continuing Care Hospital. A priority is placed on combining advanced technology and medical expertise with compassionate, individualized care, all within a state-of-the-art environment designed for those with long-term health needs. The hospital’s dedicated team strives not only to address immediate medical challenges but also to prepare patients for successful recovery and improved long-term health.