Helen Hayes Hospital - TCU offers an expanded level of service for individuals in need of short-term rehabilitation care, not exceeding 21 days, before returning home. The Transitional Care Unit is an ideal option for those who can benefit from intensive rehabilitation with the goal of transitioning from hospital to home at an improved level of functioning and mobility. The hospital's philosophy is to let the patient guide the treatment plan, allowing skilled specialists to design individualized plans to meet specific needs and goals. Each patient/resident is cared for by an interdisciplinary treatment team under the direction of physicians specializing in rehabilitation medicine and orthopedic rehabilitation. This collaborative team consists of rehabilitation nurses, physical and occupational therapists, case managers, and other professionals who work towards the patient's goals.
Patients in the Transitional Care Unit receive rehabilitation for various conditions, including hip or knee replacement surgery, fractures, neurological conditions, exacerbation of chronic illness, and medical deconditioning due to surgery or injury. To qualify for admission, a patient must be transferred directly from an acute care hospital after a minimum three-night stay and be able to participate in daily intensive therapy. Patients benefit from a full range of services aimed at enabling them to resume active and fulfilling lives, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and cardiac rehabilitation. The treatment team is committed to restoring maximum functioning in the shortest period of time, with goals such as independent stair climbing, managing daily routines, and regaining strength and endurance.
Helen Hayes Hospital, a leader in physical rehabilitation since 1900, is widely recognized as one of the nation's premier physical rehabilitation hospitals. Accredited by The Joint Commission, the hospital is owned and operated by the New York State Department of Health and affiliated with the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System. The hospital's commitment to personalized care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based practice ensures that patients receive the highest quality of care and support during their rehabilitation journey. Family members are encouraged to participate in the rehabilitation process, and the hospital offers a variety of amenities and services to promote healing and recovery.