Nurse assisting patient in a wheelchair with bandage

Transitional Care Unit

A Personal Approach to Short-Term Rehab

The Transitional Care Unit (TCU) offers an expanded level of service to those in need of short-term rehabilitation care, not exceeding 21 days, before returning home. It is an ideal option for individuals who can benefit from intensive rehabilitation, with the goal of transitioning from hospital to home at an improved level of functioning and mobility.

Our philosophy is to let the patient be our guide, helping our skilled specialists design an individualized treatment plan to meet the patient’s specific needs and goals. Each patient/resident is cared for by an interdisciplinary treatment team under the direction of physicians specializing in rehabilitation medicine and orthopedic rehabilitation. Working collaboratively towards the patient/resident's goals, the team consists of rehabilitation nurses, physical and occupational therapists, case managers, and other professionals. Family members are encouraged to participate in the rehabilitation process.

TCU Admissions

Rehabilitation in the Transitional Care Unit is well suited for individuals recovering from hip or knee replacement surgery, fractures, other orthopedic conditions, neurological conditions, exacerbation of chronic illness, or those medically deconditioned due to surgery, injury, or other complications.

To qualify for admission to the TCU, a patient must be admitted directly from an acute care hospital, where they have had a minimum three-night stay. The patient must be able to participate in daily intensive therapy.

Customized Treatment Plan

Following a thorough evaluation by a team of physicians, nurses, and therapists, a customized treatment plan will be developed incorporating both individual and group therapy sessions. The TCU treatment team is committed to restoring maximum functioning in the shortest period of time. Treatment goals may include independent stair climbing, managing daily routines, such as bathing and dressing and regaining strength and endurance.

Patients benefit from a full range of services dedicated to enabling them to resume active and fulfilling lives, including:

  • Physical Therapy (restores mobility, endurance, strength, and range of motion)
  • Occupational Therapy (focuses on activities of daily living, including self-care and home & food management skill)
  • Speech Language Therapy
  • 24/7 On-Site Physician Care
  • Pain Management
  • Rehabilitation Nursing
  • Recreational Therapy
  • Medication Evaluation & Optimization
  • Patient/Family Education
  • Case Management/Discharge Planning (including ordering of mobility and adaptive devices)
  • Individual Home Exercise Program

"Every once in a while we are given a gift – a gift that has meaning, a gift that cares, and a gift that really has an impact on your life. Helen Hayes Hospital was that sort of gift to me.” 

For more information, please contact the
Helen Hayes Hospital Admission Referral Center:

1-888-70-REHAB ext. 4118
845-786-4118
info@helenhayeshospital.org

To schedule a guided tour,
call 845-786-4118