You Can Support Patients in  Transitional Care

Will You Help Provide the Best Environment for Patients in Transitional Care?

“I’ve seen patients transform from unengaged and bored after months spent in a hospital bed to active, energetic, and happy in a setting where they have more physical, mental, and emotional stimulation and an opportunity to socialize”

– Rachael Plater, Recreation Therapist, Transitional Care Unit Brightshores Health System

It’s always our goal to give patients the highest level of care here in the hospital until they’re well enough to go home. Unfortunately, some patients don’t regain the strength or ability to return home after surgery, illness, or injury. Instead, they require a different level of support, like at a physical rehabilitation centre or a long-term care home.

Until last year, these patients had to wait for an available spot here in the hospital, in units meant for the type of care they no longer needed.

 But now, the Transitional Care Unit (or TCU) bridges that gap for patients who have had surgery or medical care, but aren’t able to return home and live independently afterwards. Our 16-bed unit gives patients an enriching, social environment where they can get the unique type of care they need while waiting to leave the hospital.

Instead of being stuck in their hospital beds, these patients have access to a team of nurses, doctors, social workers, and other allied health professionals (like me!) who keep them engaged and feeling their best. The TCU improves their healthcare experience, while also freeing up beds for patients with more acute needs.

Now that we’re in year two of the TCU, we want to make it bigger and even better! We’d love to provide specialized beds, a communal dining area, and create a patient lounge where folks can gather with family and friends.

Please take this opportunity to show your support for transitional care patients. Your caring gift will help provide an inviting, comfortable environment where patients can thrive—and will have a positive ripple effect on other areas of our hospital as well.