Swing Bed

Have you or a loved one ever been in a situation where you weren't quite ready to leave the care of a hospital but didn't necessarily need to be there anymore? This is where the swing bed programs come in, providing patients with the care and help needed to prepare them for self-care at home.

The main goal of swing bed programs is to ease the transition of care giving patients more time to have a successful recovery. It also helps with gaining the self-confidence required to return to their routines at their nursing home, house, or other long-term facility. Learn more about this skilled care program and its benefits.

How Do Swing Bed Programs Work?
Swing bed programs use a multi-disciplinary approach to treat all patients who need additional time, treatment, and therapy in the transition from hospital care to home care.

Swing bed programs allow certain small, rural hospitals to be flexible with their bed usage. These hospitals can enter into a swing bed agreement and provide either acute or skilled nursing facility care using their beds as needed.

Therapists, nurses, and other healthcare specialists usually meet with patients every week to work on their objectives and create treatment plans based on the needs of patients and family members.

Some of the activities and treatments may include:

Physical therapy
Nursing care
Therapeutic activities
Medication management
Occupational therapy
Diabetes education
Discharge planning

Who Can Be a Candidate for Swing Bed Programs?
Swing bed programs are generally aimed at patients who have been more than two days in an acute care unit and no longer require hospitalization, but may benefit from skilled care.

These programs usually allow patients living in remote areas to receive care in the same hospital they entered without being transferred to another skilled nursing facility.

How Long Swing Bed Programs Last?
Swing bed programs are typically planned for a short-term period, but the time frame depends on the patient's rehabilitation process. Some of these programs last for days, but others can extend for almost a month.

What Are Swing Bed Programs Benefits?

Versatility
The great thing about swing bed programs is their versatility. Instead of transferring patients to a separate skilled nursing facility, the hospital can convert existing hospital beds into swing beds. This means the patient can continue to receive the care needed in a familiar environment, without having to move to a different facility.

Care and Help for Speedy Recovery
The hospital staff will provide similar care to what you would receive in a skilled nursing facility, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, wound care, and other skilled nursing services. The hospital staff will work closely with you to create a personalized care plan based on your specific needs and goals.

Smooth Transition
One of the key benefits of swing bed programs is that they allow patients to transition smoothly from acute care to a lower level of care without having to change hospitals.

Since swing bed programs are often available in rural areas, they can save patients from having to travel long distances to access skilled nursing care.

Good Alternative in Rural Areas
They provide small, rural hospitals with the flexibility to offer extended care services, either acute or skilled nursing, using their existing beds. It's a great option for patients who need a little extra time to recover before heading home.

What Happens after Swing Bed Programs?
After going through a swing bed program, patients have different paths depending on their progress and needs. Whether they return home, transition to a skilled nursing facility, or require further specialized care, the goal is always to help patients recover and regain their independence so they can get back to their normal lives as soon as possible.

Back to Home
If a patient's condition improves to the point where they are ready to return home and no longer require skilled nursing care, they can be discharged from the swing bed program.

The hospital staff will work closely with the patient and their family to ensure a smooth transition. They may provide further instructions for at-home care, prescribe medications if needed, and schedule any follow-up appointments or therapy sessions.

Skilled Nursing Facility Transfer
On the other hand, if a patient still requires skilled nursing care but no longer needs the acute services provided by a hospital, they may be transferred to a skilled nursing facility. This transition allows them to continue receiving the specialized care they need in a facility specifically designed for skilled nursing services.

The hospital team will coordinate with the skilled nursing facility to ensure a seamless transfer of the patient's medical records, care plan, and any necessary equipment.

Other Alternatives
In some cases, patients may require further medical intervention or specialized care beyond the scope of a swing bed program or a skilled nursing facility. In this case, the hospital staff can make the required transfer arrangements to take the patient to a different healthcare facility, such as a rehabilitation center, long-term care facility, or a specialized hospital.

Even after leaving a swing bed program, patients can still benefit from various home healthcare services if required. These services can include assistance with activities of daily living, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nursing care.

Home healthcare providers can work closely with the patient's healthcare team to continue supporting their recovery and well-being in the comfort of their own homes.

Whether you are recovering from surgery, an illness, or just need a little extra care before returning to a long-term facility, you can trust Permian Regional Medical Center and ask for more information about our swing bed program. With our dedicated team of professionals and personalized care plans, we will work with you to achieve your goals and get you back to your best self. Don't hesitate and reach out to Permian Regional Medical Center for our health services. Located in Andrews, Texas, our experienced team is ready to provide the support and care you need. Contact us today or call us at 432-464-2200!

Tiffany Jackson
Director of Medical Surgical/ICU Director; Swingbed Coordinator
Ph: 432-464-2626
Fax: 432-524-1371