Transitional Care Services Available
Transitional care unit (TCU) services are provided regardless of race, religious preference, sex, age, disability, color or national origin. Services available include:
Nursing care, provided around the clock as a part of the daily room rate. A registered nurse is on duty along with licensed vocational nurses and nursing assistants as required. Basic care provided by the TCU includes:
- Assistance and encouragement for patients to maintain or achieve their optimum level of functioning.
- Oral hygiene, hair and nail care to ensure that the patient is clean and comfortable.
- Assistance with eating as necessary. Nourishment and fluids are provided in accordance with current nutritional and medical needs.
- Bath and linen changes as needed.
All skilled nursing services provided on the unit are conducted after close communication with your physician. TCU patients are encouraged to retain their own physicians; however, when that physician indicates, or is not available in emergency situations, the TCU's Medical Director will intervene as necessary.
Technical/specialized treatments, which are covered by the Medicare program when ordered by your physician, including:
- Cardiology (EKG, etc.)
- Medical supplies
- Social services
- Rehabilitation services, such as occupational, physical and speech therapies
- Respiratory care
- Other medical services ordered by the physician
Nutritional meals
All meals, including regular and therapeutic diets as well as snacks are provided according to individual needs and physician orders. Food and alcohol from outside sources are prohibited unless permission is obtained from the nursing administration of the TCU.
Activity program
Group activities are scheduled for patients on the TCU. Individual activities for patients are arranged by the activity director, based on individual needs and preferences. All events are posted on the activity calendar located in each patient room and in the activity/dining room.
Dental services, which can be arranged by the TCU staff. The patient, however, is responsible for payment to the dentist for any services rendered. Dental services are not covered by Medicare.
Podiatry services, which can be arranged by the TCU staff. The patient, however, is responsible for payment to the podiatrist for any services rendered. These services are not covered by Medicare.
Chaplain services
Chaplains are available to all patients for counsel and assistance. Upon request, the social worker will also be pleased to contact the patient's minister. Ministers are welcome at any hour.
Medications
Medications ordered by the physician are arranged through Baptist Health Paducah's pharmacy. Pharmaceutical services include instruction to patients and their families on the proper administration of prescribed drugs. Patients have the right to self-administer medication upon the approval of the physician on the TCU treatment team.
Visiting
Visiting by family, friends, children and clergy is encouraged. The condition of the patient or the patient's roommate may require a limitation on the number of visitors.
All articles brought into the unit should be checked with the nurse on duty. This includes clothing, food, candy, fruits and electrical appliances.
Infection Control Baptist Health Paducah's Infection Control Department is responsible for preventing and controlling the spread of nosocomial infections in Transitional Care Unit patients.