Transitional Care
Springs TCU was recognized by US News and World Report for Overall Nursing Home and Short Stay Rehab.
The Transitional Care Unit (TCU) at Springs Memorial Hospital provides quality, skilled health services in a caring and cost-effective manner to help improve or support the quality of life for patients in our community.
The TCU is a 14-bed, licensed skilled nursing unit located on the 7th floor of Springs Memorial Hospital, providing our community with extended healthcare services. The average length of stay in the TCU is 10-14 days. Patients are admitted to TCU for IV antibiotics, physical therapy, occupational therapy and/or skilled nursing services once their medical condition is stabilized in an acute care setting, and after a three-night hospital stay.
Patients may also be admitted from home if they have had a three night hospital stay within 30 days of the proposed admission date. Prior to admission to the unit, all patients must have a negative TB skin test per state regulations.
TCU’s convenient location inside Springs Memorial Hospital allows our staff to provide diagnostic testing such as lab work, x-rays, EKGs, CT Scans, MRIs and more during their stay, while also allowing access to acute care if needed.
Our services include:
- Short-Term Rehabilitation
- IV Antibiotics
- TPN/PPN
- Wound Care
- PEG Tube Teaching
- Respiratory Services
- Radiology Services
- Laboratory Services
The Transitional Care Unit uses a multidisciplinary team approach to patient care. Each caregiver works closely with the physicians to help ensure patients are able to return home as quickly as possible. Each patient admitted to TCU is also assisted by a registered dietitian to help make sure dietary needs are met and food preferences are honored during the patient’s stay.
All therapy staff members in Transitional Care Unit evaluate and treat patients in the acute care setting to provide continuity of care. During the evaluation process, patient and family goals are discussed and established. As goals are met, new goals are developed so patients meet their highest potential.
Activities
As part of the therapy program, every patient is encouraged to participate in the TCU activity program. Activities are offered seven days a week. Upon admission to the unit, each patient is asked to provide the staff with a list of activities he or she enjoys at home so we can attempt to have these activities scheduled during the stay.
Activities include, but are not limited to:
- Bingo
- Devotional Group
- Cooking
- Arts & Crafts
- Bowling
- Pet Visitation
- Movies
- Food Socials
- Puzzles
- Card Games
- Music
- Gardening
- Brain Power
There are also a variety of magazines and books available to all patients.
Physician Services
All physician with admitting privileges to Springs Memorial Hospital can admit patients to the TCU. If a patient does not have a primary care physician in the Lancaster area or is under the care of a physician who does not have admitting privileges to SMH, the TCU Medical Director can admit him/her and provide care during the stay. Once a patient is discharged from the unit, our staff will schedule follow up appointments with the patient’s primary physician. The TCU Medical Director will also make sure the patient’s physician is informed of all care provided by TCU.
Payment
TCU has an admissions coordinator available seven days a week to provide information to patients and their family members regarding payment for the TCU admission. Medicare and most insurance plans accepted. Medicaid is accepted as a secondary insurance. The TCU admissions coordinator will verify coverage before the patient is accepted for admission to the unit.