transitional care unit
Our pediatric specialists provide care for children with chronic illnesses, those who rely on medical technology, and those requiring close monitoring.
comprehensive care for children with a serious, chronic illness
The transitional care unit (TCU) at Dayton Children’s is dedicated to caring for children who are chronically ill, dependent on medical technology and/or require close observation. Children usually stay on the TCU for a week to several months, but some stay longer than a year. It is no surprise that our staff develops a special bond with these children and close relationships with their families!
Here are some examples of the kinds of medically complex patients who come to the TCU for care:
- Children with digestive disorders requiring a feeding tube
- Babies who have “graduated” from the neonatal intensive care unit but are not quite ready to go home
- Children who are recovering from airway reconstruction surgery and require mechanical breathing assistance
- Children who have experienced a traumatic injury or stroke
- Children who are experiencing frequent seizures
what’s new
Many of our patients are dependent on medical technology such as a ventilator or feeding pump. Others have had a tracheostomy (a procedure to create an artificial airway to help them breathe). Our goal is to provide these children with the best possible care and help them make a safe transition to home. This involves providing extensive training for parents. Our nurses and other care providers offer classes, bedside instruction and even home visits (as needed) to make sure that parents are well prepared for the day their child is ready to come home.
Our nursing team works with other care providers to give children and parents the support they need during and after a stay in the transitional care unit.
child life
Child life specialists focus on helping your child cope with the challenges of hospitalization, illness, injury, treatment and procedures. Their goal it to make your child’s hospital stay as positive and kid-friendly as possible!
rehabilitative services
Rehabilitation therapy can help children reach their physical and developmental potential. If you child needs rehabilitation therapy during a stay on the transitional care unit, therapists will engage your child in play activities that utilize proven techniques to make therapy fun and effective. Learn more
social work/discharge planning
Social workers at Dayton Children’s help families find the resources they need during and after a hospital stay in the transitional care unit.
nutritional support
Dieticians and dietetic technicians at Dayton Children’s evaluate patients and provide personalized nutrition plans to ensure that children on the transitional care unit receive the nutrition they need.
respiratory care
Respiratory therapists provide bedside therapy, as well as training to help parents care for their child’s breathing issues.
home care
Children’s Home Care of Dayton provides many services for families who are caring for a chronically ill child at home. Services include parent education, nursing care, drug therapy, rehabilitation therapy and much more.
while you’re here
Learn more about services available to patient families while staying at Dayton children’s. Everything from our food options to overnight accommodations.
visitation
Are you interested in visiting a patient in our critical care unit? Learn more about visiting hours and policies in our visitors section.
visitation
Are you interested in visiting a patient in our critical care unit? Learn more about visiting hours and policies in our visitors section.
behavioral health inpatient unit
The goal of this unit is to stabilize a child in crisis in a safe, comfortable and supportive environment then connect that child to ongoing outpatient therapy. The healing process begins on the unit through a combination of traditional talk therapy, art, music and movement therapy as well as the unique use of an interactive media board.
watch the video
This video will help prepare patients and families for what to expect in the mental health inpatient unit.
meet our TCU team
Miri Lader, MD
hospital medicine
Carol Murray, CNP
transitional care unit
Katie Dwyer, NP
transitional care unit
Sarah Gehring, MS, CPNP-PC
transitional care unit
here when you need us
Whether you’re looking for the right provider, ready to make an appointment, or need care right now—we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.
