Oak Park Arms introduces Transitional Care Program

Since Oct. 1, Medicare has started fining hospitals who readmit patients within 30 days of their initial discharge due to complications. Currently, about 20% of patients discharged from a hospital are readmitted within the same month, and often for easily avoidable problems.

Because hospital readmission is a vital health care concern, the Oak Park Arms retirement community has launched a Transitional Care Program for people being discharged from the hospital but who need more care before returning home.

“Our goal is to offer a safe, temporary home while the guest continues to recover and restore his or her health,” said Moses Williams, executive director of the Oak Park Arms. ”Our Transitional Care Program has been developed by an interdisciplinary team of experts, and we utilize the services of caring and supportive professional health care providers.”

The hospital discharge process is a key transition time for patients. Proper support, resources and a good understanding of follow-up instructions can help prevent patient readmission.

Oak Park Arms offers pre-planning for its Transitional Care Program. Professional staff members work with the physician, physical therapists and nurses for a worry-free transition from the hospital to The Arms, and eventually back home. Staff also partner with healthcare providers and insurance companies to ensure coordinated care and professional assistance for residents. 

Follow-up care, such as showing up to appointments, taking new medication properly and completing necessary therapies, is critical in avoiding hospital readmission.

“Restoring each person to their full potential is my goal for every patient,” said Mary Kuklewicz, a therapist with Interim Healthcare. “Improving strength and regaining confidence are key to ensuring a happy and safe homecoming.” 

Transitional care amenities include: 

• physical therapy,
• occupational therapy,
• speech therapy,
• skilled nursing,
• medication reconciliation,
• telemonitoring for management of chronic disease,
• nursing assistance, and
• scheduling and transportation for follow up appointments.

Available for days, weeks or months, the program offers a furnished private apartment with a wide variety of services.

The Oak Park Arms has physicians on-site and 24 hour-a-day staffing and security. Each apartment has a private telephone and housekeeping services. The Arms also offers a fitness room, wellness programs, chef-prepared meals, an on-site beauty salon and barber shop and daily social programs.

Other services available are personal assistance, an emergency call system and assistance in bathing, grooming and personal laundry.

“The Oak Park Arms is the place to help and heal as a guest is restored to health,” Williams said.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay - a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

For more information about the Transitional Care Program, contact Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040 or go to: http://www.oakparkarms.com.