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Care is Critical Component of Transitional Unit

The Transitional Care Unit (TCU) at Brightshores Owen Sound Hospital ensures every patient is getting the correct types of care
Patients typically spend 2-3 months in the unit while waiting for longer term care options like home care or long term care
Patients are supported by a wide array of staff including but not limited to nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, recreation therapists, spiritual care providers and personal support workers.

The goal of the Transitional Care Unit (TCU) was to look after community members who no longer require acute care (necessary treatment for a disease or severe episode of illness provided for a short period of time) but are in transition to another Health Care sector that would tend to their needs such as long term care, hospice, or home and community care support.

The TCU improves patients’ healthcare experience, while also freeing up beds for patients with more acute needs. This 16 bed unit isn’t possible without support from donors like you.

By placing different types of patients together together Brightshores is able to offer each individual the most appropriate levels of care. In the TCU that includes access to physiotherapy, recreation therapy, spiritual care programming, nursing and psw staff. This reduces the potential for patients to experience functional decline well at Brightshores.

Patients that fit the transitional care unit criteria are able to be up and out of bed and attending activities. Donations have helped the unit get specialized equipment, adjust spaces and acquire more resources for recreation.

New beds and lifts are critical parts of the unit making life easier for staff and patients. Lifts allow staff to help patients when needed without straining or injuring themselves. The beds are able to lower further than our standard hospital bed and offer patient assist features to make it easier for patients to get up and out of bed.

The typical stay in the TCU is two to three months. Patients and staff have both found the changes impactful. It’s helped patients progress in their care and leave the hospital sooner. Together we’re building healthier communities one patient at a time.

If you want to read more stories like this check out the latest issue of the Support Report