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Swing Bed Care


Care Between Hospital and HOME


What is swing bed?

Swing bed services are a stop between hospital and home, where patients get the continued care they need while recovering from an illness, injury or surgery. Our skilled staff provides on-site care, 24 hours a day, to help patients return home safely. Swing bed services can help patients who need:

Long-term IV antibiotics
Wound care
Rehabilitation after surgery
Therapy after a stroke, accident or injury
Rehab or skilled care after a recent hospitalization

Patients enjoy the comforts of home, while family has the comfort of knowing their loved one is receiving the help they need. The length of stay varies, but the quality of care is consistent. After meeting therapy goals, patients can return home stronger and with more confidence.

Your Plan of Care

A multidisciplinary team will work with you and your family to develop an individual plan of care. Your team will meet daily to review your progress. Our goal is to prepare you for a successful return home.

Your Care Team

Your care team may include physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, case management, rehabilitation professionals such as physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and dieticians.

How do I know if I qualify?

To be eligible for Swing Bed, a patient:

Must have been hospitalized in acute care for 3 days within 30 days of seeking admission to the Swing Bed Program.
Must need continuing treatment, such as physical therapy, IV medications, respiratory therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or extensive nursing care.

What can I expect in swing bed care?


NURSING
Provides recovery care, pain management and education.

PHYSICAL THERAPY
Provides injury rehabilitation and helps patients build strength to prevent falls and gain movement, balance, and flexibility to resume activities like walking or exercising.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Focuses on daily living skills that may include dressing and bathing.

RESPIRATORY THERAPY
Provides respiratory care and education about oxygen use.

NUTRITION SERVICES
Offers nutritional education and support.

SPEECH THERAPY
Helps with communication skills, reading and safe swallowing.

PHARMACY
Works with medical team to meet medication needs.

CASE MANAGEMENT
Helps patients, and families, find additional services and resources for further education. Can also coordinate advance healthcare directives for patients.

ACTIVITIES
Daily activities may include puzzles, cards, games, books, newspapers, magazines, television, etc.

Does insurance cover swing bed services?

Skilled care is payable by Medicare 100% for the first 20 days. Days 21-100 are subject to a coinsurance amount set by Medicare and is covered by most Medicare supplement policies. When private insurance is the primary payer, some patients may be covered for swing bed care if their insurance approves it.

Your medical team will continue to follow your care and progress throughout your swing bed stay to make sure you continue to qualify for coverage. Patients are required to participate in daily therapies or rehabilitation care and must show that they are working toward set health goals.

Here to help you home

When therapy goals are met, we make the transition home easier for patients and their families. As patients leave swing bed, help may include:

Arranging in-home care if needed.
Helping find alternate living arrangements.
Coordinating community services and help.
Providing guidance if a patient needs home medical equipment and supplies (shower bench, walker, wheelchair, etc.)

What makes our swing bed program better?

Low patient-to-nurse ratio
Providers readily available through our hospitalist program
In-house, 24-hour emergency care, if needed
Skilled physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapies
In-house lab, imaging, and surgery, if needed
Close to your home, family, and friends, which can speed up your recovery

TO LEARN MORE, CONTACT OUR SWING BED COORDINATOR AT 618.542.2146, EXT. 2423.
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