What You Should Know About Transitional Care

Once patients are cleared to be discharged from the hospital, they often face hard work in the days ahead.

Following a significant injury, surgery or illness, patients often need to prepare for the transition home. Many of the activities we take for granted, such as getting out of bed, using the restroom and general mobility, can be difficult for some patients, especially after an injury, stroke, heart attack or significant surgery.

Cameron Memorial Community Hospital’s Transitional Care Unit is designed to prepare patients for their return home. Our team of nurses, physicians and occupational and physical therapists work with patients to ensure they’re prepared to successfully transition to home life.

About Transitional Care Services

Here’s what else you need to know about Cameron’s transitional care services.

• The ultimate goal of the transitional care unit is to protect patients and prevent readmission to the hospital. If patients are sent home without the skills necessary to complete everyday tasks, they’re significantly more likely to injure themselves. Patients are often in a fragile state just after leaving the hospital, so it’s necessary to take preventive steps to protect them from further injury.
• The transitional care team works with patients to build up strength and make sure they’re capable of completing certain tasks individually. Without proper preparation, patients are more likely to fall, slip or otherwise injure themselves at home.
• The transitional care team takes time to understand each patient’s specific circumstances and tailors their treatment and rehabilitation program to suit their needs. For example, if a patient has a spouse or family member at home who’s capable of serving as a caretaker, the patient won’t need as much therapy as patients who live independently.
• Not all hospitals offer transitional care. Since Cameron’s Transitional Care Unit is located in the same structure as the hospital, patients don’t need to travel far. This eases the strain on patients and simplifies the transition since they remain in a familiar setting.
• Although some nursing homes also provide skilled nursing and therapy services, many patients prefer the security of a hospital setting. Cameron’s Transitional Care Unit maintains a better staff-to-patient ratio, which means nurses and other medical staff, on average, see fewer patients in a day. That allows patients to receive more time and attention from their medical team.
• After patients are released from transitional care, Cameron’s staff keeps in touch. We routinely make phone calls to ensure the transition to home life is going smoothly. Many of our patients also return to the hospital for outpatient physical and occupational therapy.

If you or a loved one is at all unsure about returning home after a stay in the hospital, consider Cameron’s Transitional Care Unit. Find out more at https://www.cameronmch.com/services/transitional-care/.