Transitional Care Unit Patient Planning Guide Patient Planning Guide
What is transitional care and why do I need it? After a serious illness, injury or surgery, you and your physician may determine that you no longer need full hospital care but are still not fully recovered enough to go home. That s when you may benefit from a short stay at a Transitional Care Unit, or TCU. A TCU provides a comfortable environment for you to recover fully and safely under the watchful care of professionals so you can return home with confidence. Why should I choose Catholic Eldercare s TCU? Catholic Eldercare has been providing senior living services for over 30 years. We have a strong reputation for providing quality care and have built trusted relationships with the physicians, hospitals and families within the community. Our TCU is conveniently located in Northeast Minneapolis. How do I select Catholic Eldercare for my transitional care? If you and your physician determine transitional care is needed, you may ask your hospital discharge planner to contact Catholic Eldercare at 612.379.1370 to make a referral. Our admissions staff will review the information and contact the hospital to arrange admission. How will I get to the TCU? Your hospital discharge orders will be faxed or provided to Catholic Eldercare electronically. The discharge planner at the hospital will discuss transportation options with you and your family. If able, you may be transported by family. If not, the hospital can assist with setting up medical transport either by wheelchair or stretcher, depending on your needs. What happens when I arrive? Upon arrival, you will be welcomed in our lobby and shown to your room. There, a nurse will conduct an initial health assessment and walk you through the TCU s many amenities, meal options and daily activities.
What can I expect during my stay? Your physician and our care team will work closely with you to implement a plan of care that will help you reach your recovery goals. We are committed to making your stay here as comfortable as possible and to help you obtain your optimal level of physical, emotional and spiritual health by providing: A dedicated support team During your stay, you will be working with an interdisciplinary team consisting of therapists, a social worker, nursing staff and a dietician to help set goals for a successful transition home. Our experienced staff can help people with diverse needs, including chronic health concerns, bariatrics, wound care and more. Chef-prepared meals We offer a menu of both fresh and comfortfood choices to fit individual preferences and dietary needs. Our dietician can also teach you about any changes you may need to make in your diet at home. Activities & visitation Social and recreational activities are an integral part of your care to help you improve functional abilities and maintain leisure activities to enhance your health and wellbeing when you go home. We will also have 24/7 sign-in for guests and family, though visitation time may be limited during therapy. Home-like amenities All private rooms come with housekeeping services, WiFi, phone service and cable TV at no extra charge. You will also enjoy daily access to our on-site beauty shop, bistro and chapel. Leading-edge therapies Using state-of-the-art equipment, the therapists will work with you to overcome any weakness, immobility and other physical impairments. Occupational therapists are also available to assist you in attaining independence in the activities of daily living, such as feeding, dressing and hygiene. If necessary, our speech/ language pathologist can help you and your family develop strategies that will increase your ability to communicate. What happens when I leave? When preparing for discharge, we will consult with you to determine what additional assistance you may need to ensure a successful return home and can assist with coordinating in-home services. After I leave, am I on my own? No. After discharge, our transition coordinator will follow up with you to answer any questions about medications and services.
What should I bring with me? Clothes such as: Pajamas or nightgowns Robe Underwear Socks Shirts or blouses Toiletries such as: Toothbrush Toothpaste Denture cup Soap Miscellaneous items such as: Hearing aid Glasses or contact lenses Cleaning supplies for glasses/contact lenses/dentures Slacks, jeans or jogging suits Sweater or jacket Sturdy shoes & slippers (non-skid soles) Shampoo/conditioner Hairbrush/comb Shaving equipment Deodorant Splints, cane or walker Leisure time items, such as books, cards, CD s, laptop, etc. Helpful documentation to bring: Your Medicare, Medicaid, Manage Care, Social Security and Insurance cards, including prescription drug cards, if applicable. If you have a representative for financial decisions, supporting documents such as a Power of Attorney for Financial Decisions, Guardian, Surrogate or other. If paying privately, a check or credit card. In the event that you have applied for state medical assistance (Medicaid), a copy of the application Important tips: Bring clothing that can be machine-washed. Bring clothing that is easy to pull on or remove, such as pants with elastic waistbands. Bring items to make your stay comfortable. Catholic Eldercare is not responsible for lost or damaged items, so please leave cash, jewelry and other valuables at home. NOTES
Want to learn more? To learn how Catholic Eldercare can help improve your recovery outcomes, contact us today and schedule a preview tour of our Transitional Care Unit. Mississippi River Broadway St NE 8th Ave NE University Ave NE 2nd St NE NE Main St Central Ave NE Hennepin Ave NE 149 8th Avenue NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 Ample parking on both sides of 2nd Street NE with entrance to Transitional Care Unit on 8th Avenue NE. 612.379.1370 catholiceldercare.org 5/16