Frequently Asked Questions
- Who staffs the Coppin Transition Care Unit?
- Who oversees medical care within the unit?
- What is the accommodation available?
- Will my room be cleaned?
- Will I have access to telephone in my room?
- Do I need to bring my own toiletries?
- Will I need to arrange for personal laundry?
- Are meals provided?
- What allowance is made for food preferences?
- Can I have wine with my meal?
- Can I enjoy a cigarette?
- What recreation and activities programs are available?
- Are visitors welcome?
- What can my family and friends do when they visit?
- Are other health professionals available?
- Are there hairdressing facilities?
Who staffs the Coppin Transition Care Unit?
The Director of Nursing (DON) manages the Coppin Transition Care Unit within our Coppin Community Hostel facility and is responsible for the general management and staff, while working with transition care residents and relatives to ensure individual needs are met.
Our Operations Manager supports the DON with all non-clinical matters, such as catering, cleaning and laundry services.
Our Care Managers are skilled and experienced Registered Nurses (Division 1) and are responsible for the daily nursing and personal care provided to transition care residents. They are the first port of call for discussing any issues relating to personal care, nursing care, liaising with doctors and pharmacy and with other health professionals. Care Managers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition to these key personnel a range of other administrative and service staff are engaged in the running of the unit.
Who oversees medical care within the unit?
The Coppin Transition Care Unit has a panel of doctors overseeing the medical care of residents. All are approved by and work under the direction of our highly regarded General Manager Medical Services, Associate Professor Dr. Sam Scherer.
What is the accommodation available?
Our Transition Care Unit is located within Coppin Community Hostel, adjacent to St Kilda Rd, Melbourne. Residents enjoy the privacy of a fully fitted single room with a private en suite bathroom and television. Your room is also equipped with an emergency button called a 'Vital Call'. This is also available as a pendant and we recommend that you keep it on you at all times in the event of an emergency. The Vital Call is linked to a paging system carried by the staff.
Will my room be cleaned?
Yes, each week your room will be cleaned by a member of our General Services team. This will generally be done at the same time each week, but some variation will occur. Bed linen is also changed weekly and a supply of toilet paper, soap and fresh towels will be provided to you on these occasions.
Will I have access to telephone in my room?
There will be a telephone provided in your room for incoming calls. For any outgoing calls, residents have access to a public phone or can use their own mobile phone.
Do I need to bring my own toiletries?
Standard toiletry items such as toothpaste, shampoo, razors and tissues are supplied free of charge for all residents. However, many residents have preferences for a favourite brand, and are free to use these instead. We also encourage men to have electric shavers.
Will I need to arrange for personal laundry?
No, personal clothing is washed and dried on site by our staff in modern industrial machines and dryers. We suggest you bring clothing that is 'wash and wear' and that all clothing be clearly labelled to ensure it is returned to you after washing.
Our friendly staff are available to assist with the labelling of garments. Clothes requiring dry cleaning can be dropped off at the Health Centre office by Monday afternoon where they are taken to local dry-cleaners. They are returned to 'Fashion 'N' Things' (shop on ground floor) for you to collect and pay for. The news agency at The Alfred Hospital also has 'same day pick up' dry cleaning.
Are meals provided?
Yes. Nutritious seasonal meals are prepared daily in our kitchen, under the guidance of our qualified chef. Lunch and dinner are served in two dining rooms in the Transition Care unit, while breakfast will be served in your room. Should you be unable to attend the dining room for health reasons your lunch and dinner will also be served in your room.
Meal times are as follows: Breakfast 8:00 am Lunch 12:00 noon Dinner 5:00 pm
Morning tea, afternoon tea and evening supper are also served. Visitors are welcome to stay for lunch at a cost of $10.00 per person. Bookings are required and can be made with the dining room staff. Coppin Coffee Shop is also open for morning tea, light lunches and afternoon tea, and offers an assortment of snack foods. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday 8.30am - 3.30pm, Friday 8.30am - 2.00pm and on Weekends 1.30pm - 4.00pm.
What allowance is made for food preferences?
Every effort is made to accommodate individual preferences, menu variety and specialised dietary needs. A consulting dietician assists us in this task. Residents' personal likes and dislikes are recorded on admission and meals prepared with this in mind.
Can I have wine with my meal?
Yes, subject to approval from your treating medical practitioner. Residents may provide their own wine, beer or spirits, or preferred soft drinks or fruit juices. We ask that these be clearly labeled and our staff can assist with managing and serving drinks before meals or at other preferred times.
Can I enjoy a cigarette?
In the interests of other residents and having regard to health and safety regulations, smoking is not permitted inside the unit. However, smoking receptacles have been placed in designated outside smoking areas for your convenience.
What recreation and activities programs are available?
Residents are encouraged to avail themselves and participate in the very extensive social and lifestyle program provided within the unit. These include group and individual sessions, weekly community activities, cooking groups, snooker, competitions, art, pottery and men's group. A weekly program is displayed on notice boards.
Are visitors welcome?
We strongly encourage visits from family members and friends between 9:00am and 9:00pm, seven days a week. Children and even well-behaved pets are also welcome to visit.
What can my family and friends do when they visit?
Residents and families may enjoy quiet contemplation, sitting or reading in the various sitting rooms, courtyards and garden areas. Tea and coffee making facilities are available for their use and they can feel free to bring a home baked snack to share with the resident should they wish. Coppin Community Hostel has a barbecue area that can be used for summer meals, celebrations or for family activities. Arrangements for parties or functions for special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries, can be booked at reception.
Are other health professionals available?
One of the principal reasons for admission to the Coppin Transition Care Program at Coppin Community Hostel for most clients is to continue their rehabilitation and functional improvement through the benefit of physical therapies. A range of on-site allied health services are available for clients based on assessed individual need, including Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, Audiometry, Optometry and dietician.
Are there hairdressing facilities?
Coppin Community Hostel has a very competent hairdresser who attends every weekday between 9.00am and 4.00pm, except Monday.
