If you are recovering from surgery or a hospital stay, you may be able to transfer to a hospital with a swing bed program for rehab and other services if you are not ready to go home.
“Most hospitals with a swing bed program try to get you to return home with your prior level of independence,” said Courtney Meyer, registered nurse unit supervisor at Marshfield Medical Center-Ladysmith.
A swing bed program allows you to continue receiving care in the hospital without being discharged to a nursing home or your own home too soon. The length of stay varies, but the average is 7-14 days.
A swing bed program is ideal for recovering from recent:
- Surgery, joint replacement or medical procedure(s)
- Accident or stroke
- Illness
- Pain management
- IV treatment
- Wound care
- Weakness and deconditioning
- COPD and respiratory problems
- Lymphedema treatments
Swing bed rules for insurance
If you meet the criteria for skilled nursing care daily or require physical therapy at least five days per week, you are eligible for reimbursement from Medicare.
Other private insurances and Medicare HMOs also may offer a skilled care benefit.
Prior to admission to a swing bed service, a member of the care team will determine if the admission criteria are met.
“Your team will work with you to ensure you qualify for the swing bed program before you come,” said Meyer.
Criteria for admission to swing bed care requires your condition to be stable so you no longer need acute care.
Swing bed program options
There are many options a swing bed program may provide. Most offer daily access to physical and occupational therapy. These programs will offer a therapy plan to quickly increase your strength and independence. Some swing bed programs also offer access to speech or respiratory therapy.
Doctors and nurses would continue to oversee your care 24/7 in the hospital. You would also have access to a pharmacist to manage your prescriptions. An onsite laboratory and imaging services allow for accurate and timely monitoring of your condition.
Facilities may also provide:
- Private rooms with private bath and shower
- Telehealth visits for specialty care
- Television and internet access in room
- Individualized activity program
- Spiritual services
- Mechanically assisted gait training/ bodyweight supported treadmill training
- Wound care/vacuum-assisted wound care
- IV medications
- Medication and diabetic education
- Pain management
- Comfort care
- Tube feedings
Care planning when leaving a swing bed program
A qualified therapy staff member can come into your home to assist with a smooth transition back to your home. They will assess your home and make recommendations to increase safety and ease your return.
“Making sure it is safe for you to go home is an important part of this program,” said Meyer.
Your health care team and case manager will meet with you and your family on a weekly basis to address needs and coordinate services for your safe discharge.
Case managers can also assist in setting up home health services and creating advance directives.
A swing bed program is available at these Marshfield Clinic Health System hospitals.
Ladysmith Neillsville Park Falls
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