Hospitals have transitional care practices to make it easier for patients to switch from the hospital environment to their homes. The goal of transitional care is to ensure the safety of patients during home-based treatment, reduce readmission rates, and prevent any negative events related to their health. So, what do transitional care units look like, and how long do you need to stay in one? Read on to find out.

What Is Transitional Care?

Depending on the severity of your injury or condition, you may have to spend some time in a transitional care unit after your hospital stay. It is a highly specialized place designed to help you get back on your feet after an injury, surgery, or illness. You are supervised 24/7, and professionals care for all your needs.

When going through transitional care, you will have a set of goals you must meet before moving back home. The typical stay in one of these units is 10 to 14 days. However, that may differ based on your condition and insurance coverage.

Most transitional care units have shared or private rooms. Keep in mind that a private room may require additional fees.

What Kind of Therapy Do I Receive in Transitional Care?

During your stay in a transitional care unit, you may receive occupational, speech, physical, or other types of therapy. The nurses help you with your daily activities, medication management, and wound care and make your stay more pleasurable.

The three main therapy types in transitional care include:

• Physical Therapy

Physical therapy aims to improve your mobility, muscle, and joint strength. It is commonly practiced after an injury or surgery to help patients get back on their feet. Your physical therapist may use different exercises, weights, and other equipment to reach your goals and get you the best results

• Speech Therapy

Speech therapy is sometimes needed after a stroke or a brain injury. A speech therapist helps you gain back your communication skills and assists you in finding new effective ways to communicate if you are unable to get back to your pre-injury state. 

• Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists work with you to get you back to your everyday life. They focus on rehabilitation and add environmental tools such as railings to ensure safety. Therapists go over your daily habits and modify your hobbies and activities so that you are able to do them upon returning home.

How Do I Know I’m Ready to Go Home?

Your transitional care stay lasts as long as you need to ensure safety in your own home. Rember, you won’t have 24/7 professional supervision once you get back to your place. A nurse or a therapist will still come around a few times per week, but you won’t have constant help.

That’s why your doctor will observe you closely during transitional care, and you will go home only when they give you the green light.

For Owners and Managers of Transitional Care Units

If you are an owner or a manager of a transitional care unit, and you want to get more customers, you can benefit from partnering with Peregrine Healthcare. We offer a variety of services that can make your life easier and draw in more customers and profits. Check them out here.