Transitional Care
The Transitional Care Unit, or TCU, is a skilled nursing unit that provides care for patients who no longer require intensive hospitalization but who still need inpatient post-acute nursing services with a restorative and rehabilitative focus before returning home. The TCU is located on the third floor of St. Mary Medical Center.
Typically, stays within this therapeutic environment will range from 12 to 14 days. Some patients may transition home sooner; some may take longer, depending on their needs. For some, a stay in the TCU provides a comfortable, individualized, medically supervised setting for the final stages of life.
The unit consists of 14 private rooms. Each room has a television and a locked space for personal belongings. A Family Support Area has been incorporated into the TCU design to provide a comfortable and supportive environment for the dying patient and their families.
Also located on the unit is a therapy gym where patients will do physical and occupational therapy. Meals and activities take place in a large dining room that doubles as a day room for socializing and events.
TCU Interdisciplinary Team
Patient care needs and services are provided under the direction of the patient's attending physician. The TCU's interdisciplinary team works closely with the physician, the patient, and the patient's family or others important to them, to develop the plan of care. The goal of the TCU staff is to ensure the patient's return to home will be in as short a period of time as their needs require. Needs and goals will have a restorative focus and may involve relearning and practicing skills such as dressing, bathing, moving, walking, and taking medications.
Members of the TCU's interdisciplinary team include:
- TCU Medical Director
- TCU Registered Nurse Program Director
- Nurses
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
- Certified Nursing Assistants (NACs)
- Physical Therapists and
- Physical Therapy Assistants
- Occupational Therapists and
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Speech/Language Pathologists
- Respiratory Therapists
- Restorative Aides (to assist in the therapy program)
- A Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator
- A Medical Social Worker
- A Registered Dietitian
- Pharmacists
- Chaplains
- Volunteers
All services are provided under the direction of the patient's physician. He or she will not need to see the patient as frequently once they have begun their stay on the TCU, but will visit as often as necessary. The nursing and therapy staff will keep the doctor informed and obtain direction for care as needed. The patient's medical progress will be reviewed with them frequently. Patients are welcome to attend any of the meetings in which their plan for care is discussed or, if they prefer, the clinical coordinator can review the meeting outcomes with them.