Swing Bed

What happens when you or your loved one no longer needs acute medical care, yet still needs help before being able to function alone at home? That’s where swing bed care comes in, allowing for extended care at the hospital. The services are the same as nursing home care, but take place in the hospital.

Transitional care focuses on your unique needs. Your attending Provider is key in deciding if transitional care will be necessary for you. Technically, you are discharged as an inpatient and readmitted as a skilled nursing/swing bed patient. This transition of care is designed to provide continuity as you move to a different level of care and ready yourself for living at home independently.

You or your loved one stays in the same area of the hospital, but is encouraged and expected to participate in completing daily living tasks. We ask you to dress daily, leave your room for meals and participate in activities. Although your Provider will supervise the care program, you’ll see him or her less and less as you progress. To encourage success, you will work with a case management team and other departments as designated for your improvement and care.

An interdisciplinary team collaborates on your plan of care and progress. It is important for you and your representatives to understand that you must meet and continue to meet the Medicare skilled nursing criteria to remain in the hospital. You are expected to actively participate in your treatment program and reach set plateaus to remain in swing bed care. When treatment plan and eligibility requirements are fulfilled, you can stay for up to 100 days as a swing bed patient, contingent on your progress.

If you don’t have Medicare Part A, check with your private insurance on coverage.