All Homeward Bound patients anticipating discharge to a lower level of care are moved into the TLU phase of our rehabilitation program. Patients are started in the TLU phase of the program to help demonstrate the challenges that would be faced and the increased risk of a premature discharge, within the safe and controlled environment of the facility. Participation in the TLU is limited to a period of two to four days. During this time the Villa team will be able to verify patient skills exist for the discharge location. If the patient is not yet able to demonstrate the necessary skills or the patient identifies additional needs during this time the patient would be moved back into the Transitional Care Unit for more skilled services. If the patient does well in the Transitional Living Unit they are then discharged to the predetermined location.

Villa Georgetown Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation is pleased to announce that they have recently added a Transitional Living Unit to their services. The purpose of their Transitional Living Unit is to simulate, as closely as possible, a scenario for the patient to experience the level of supervision and independence needed to be successful in the anticipated discharge environment. In many ways, the TLU is very much like their bedroom in their home. The purpose is to verify that a Homeward Bound patient is able to function at the level identified by the Villa interdisciplinary team upon skilled therapy or nursing program discharge. All functional needs such as medication administration skills, bathing, and toileting, cooking and managing schedules will be addressed for those placed in the Transitional Living Unit. The patient and family member will be allowed to experience a simulation of the level of care and support needed upon discharge from the facility. Validation of functional skill sets and supervisory needs will prevent premature discharge and unsuccessful transitions by facilitating patient and family knowledge of true needs in a controlled environment.