aftercare

1. The care and treatment of a patient after an operation,delivery, or convalescence from an illness. 2. Following psychiatric hospitalization, a continuing program of rehabilitation designed to reinforce the effects of the therapy; may include partial hospitalization, day hospital, or outpatient treatment.

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af·ter·care -.ke(ə)r, -.ka(ə)r n the care, treatment, help, or supervision given to persons discharged from an institution (as a hospital or prison)

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n.

long-term surveillance or rehabilitation as an adjunct or supplement to formal medical treatment of those who are chronically sick or disabled, including those with mental illness or learning disability. Aftercare includes the provision of special aids and the adaptation of homes to improve daily living.

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af·ter·care (afґtər-kār) 1. the care and treatment of a convalescent patient, especially one who has undergone surgery; called also aftertreatment. 2. the continuing outpatient treatment and rehabilitation services provided within the community to psychiatric patients following discharge from the hospital.