Swing Bed

What is Swing Bed?

When a patient’s condition no longer requires acute care, but they’re not ready to go home or to another care setting, they may be eligible for our swing bed program. The term “swing bed” is used to describe when physicians “swing” patients from one type of inpatient care to another. For our patients’ convenience, if their status changes from acute care to swing bed, they remain in the same room. Changing status but staying in the same room has many benefits, including:

• More recovery time following an illness or surgery
• Less expensive care than acute hospitalization
• Helping to keep patients oriented to their surroundings and staff/personnel
• Reducing the possibility of lost items
• Reducing the confusion of relocation for family and friends

As a patient progresses, one factor that remains constant is the devoted attention and quality of care our nursing staff and ancillary departments provide. We design our program around each individual’s needs to help them reach their highest potential for health and independence prior to returning home.

Who is eligible?

Swing bed is available to patients who have been hospitalized at an Amberwell location or at other facilities outside Amberwell Health. Participation in Medicare Part A or other qualified insurance plan is also a requirement for the swing bed program.

Admission Requirements

• A consecutive, 3-day, acute care stay within 30 days of admission to swing bed
• Stable medical status and physician authorization
• Daily skilled care need (or five days per week for rehab)

What services are included?

The program is ideal for patients who require:

• Physical, occupational, and speech therapies which aid in a safe return home or to other living arrangements
• Specialized wound care
• IV therapy
• Orthopedic rehabilitation following any surgery
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Generalized weakness due to CHF, COPD, pneumonia, and other chronic conditions

What should I expect from the swing bed program?

• Increased independence in self-care (getting dressed, grooming, bathing, toileting, etc.)
• Actively participate in therapy sessions
• Walk or move with nursing staff
• Sit in a chair for all meals
• Gradually spend more time out of bed and doing what you would usually do at home
• Participate in individualized daily activities

Your Care Team

• Physician
• Social Services
• Case Manager
• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Therapist*
• Nursing Team
• Dietician
• Pharmacist
• Respiratory Therapist*

*as needed