The unit will serve patients as they transition from the hospital to home.

DeLAND  — AdventHealth DeLand has opened a skilled nursing unit within the hospital designed to help patients successfully transition home from the hospital. The 12-bed Transitional Care Unit (TCU) provides services and amenities including physical, occupational and speech therapy, a gymnasium and dining room.

The DeLand TCU is the only one of its kind in AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division, which includes six counties stretching from Flagler to Osceola. 

“We are pleased to provide this service to the West Volusia community right here in our DeLand hospital,” said David Weis, president and CEO of AdventHealth DeLand. “This unit illustrates our commitment to providing comprehensive and convenient services close to home.”

The TCU, which will eventually expand to 18 beds, occupies the space that formerly held the birth care unit. Those services moved to AdventHealth Fish Memorial in Orange City last year.

With its location inside the hospital, the unit allows patients to have continuity of care with their physicians. An on-site gym helps patients regain their strength with a range of equipment and expert therapy. 

“These patients could almost go home, but may need another seven or so days of rehab, or they may need support in managing their medications,” said Michele Lebron, chief nursing officer at AdventHealth DeLand. “The idea is to give them the support they need to get back on their feet, which will help prevent them from having to be readmitted to the hospital in the future.”

The care team will also regularly assess progress and set each individual goal for treatment with each patient, ensuring a safe transition home.

“We are dedicated to serving patients along the entire continuum of care,” said Lebron. “This unit will provide a unique level of care not previously available at AdventHealth DeLand.”