Helen Hayes Hospital’s Transitional Care Unit (TCU) offers an elevated level of short-term rehabilitation services for individuals who require additional care and therapy before transitioning back home. This unit is designed specifically for patients who need a bridge between acute hospitalization and returning to their daily lives, with stays not exceeding 21 days. The TCU emphasizes a philosophy that centers on patient-driven care, where each person’s individual needs and goals help shape their rehabilitation journey. Upon admission, every patient receives a thorough evaluation from a multidisciplinary team, which includes rehabilitation specialists, nurses, therapists, and case managers, all collaborating under the direction of physicians who specialize in both rehabilitation medicine and orthopedic rehabilitation.
A core strength of the TCU lies in its capacity to deliver intensive, customized rehabilitation programs. These programs are particularly well-suited for individuals recuperating from orthopedic procedures such as hip or knee replacements, fractures, various neurological conditions, exacerbations of chronic illnesses, and functional deconditioning following surgery, injury, or medical complications. A prerequisite for admission to this unit is a minimum three-night stay in an acute care hospital, ensuring that patients are at the appropriate stage for intensive rehabilitation and can actively participate in daily therapy.
Treatment within the TCU is highly personalized, incorporating both individual and group therapy sessions. Rehabilitation in this setting focuses on achieving tangible goals, such as restoring patients’ ability to independently climb stairs, manage daily personal care routines like bathing and dressing, and regain physical strength and endurance. The TCU team is committed to restoring maximum functioning in the shortest possible time, always aiming to prepare patients for a return to active and fulfilling lives.
Family involvement is encouraged as part of the rehabilitation process, recognizing the important role loved ones play in motivating and supporting recovery. Patients and their families have access to a comprehensive suite of services and amenities, including adaptive sports and recreation, aquatic therapy, wellness programming, assistive technology, and support groups. The Jan and Niles Davies Learning Center provides educational resources to help patients understand and manage their conditions, further empowering them on their path to recovery. As a facility with a longstanding reputation for excellence in physical rehabilitation and research, Helen Hayes Hospital integrates innovative approaches and advanced rehabilitation technology into every aspect of patient care at the TCU. The entire team remains focused on supporting each individual's journey toward restored independence and improved quality of life.