Transitional Care Unit
How we can help you
The Transitional Care Unit supports older people in our hospital who have complex health needs and waiting to move into residential aged care.
Our team of health professionals will work with you and your family to support your health, comfort and independence. We will help you set goals and provide the care and therapy you need.
Our services may include:
- Nursing and medical care
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Help with walking, moving and everyday activities
- Planning your care and move to residential aged care.
Our goal is to help you stay as healthy, active and independent as possible while you prepare for your move.
Your Transitional Care Unit team includes doctors, nurses, and other health professionals.
The team will work with you, your family, and your carers to support your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing while you are in hospital.
We will also start planning your discharge from hospital. This will help make sure you are safe, supported and ready for the next stage of your care.
Our specialists are:
| Name | Title and Specialty |
|---|---|
| Professor Gideon Caplan | Head of Aged Care Department |
| Dr Song Lee | Geriatrician (expert aged care doctor) |
| Dr Stephanie Ward | Geriatrician |
| Dr Gemma Cranney | Geriatrician |
Our unit will provide you nursing care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our doctors oversee your care and are on call at all times.
Our broader team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers are generally available 8.00 am - 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Ask our team any questions about your care, treatment or your transition to residential aged care. We will do our best to connect you with the right person as soon as possible. Sometimes you might need to wait for a response depending upon the time of day, staff availability and urgency of your matter. This may be more likely after business hours or on the weekends or public holidays.
Waiting for information can be difficult when you are worried about someone you care about. Out staff will do their best to keep you informed, answer your questions and arrange further support.
We encourage families to participate in care and decision making where appropriate. We ask each family to nominate one contact person to receive updates from our team and share this with other family members and friends. This reduces confusion and supports timely communication.
Our priority is to provide you care and support that meets your individual needs while you move to residential aged care.
Sometimes you may stay in another ward in the hospital. This can be due to the availability of beds or because of your individual care needs. Wherever you stay, our team will continue to support you. They will regularly review your care and work with other staff to plan your treatment and move to residential aged care.
My Aged Care website can help you navigate the aged care system. You can also call 1800 200 422.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.