Many people who visit the hospital only stay for a short time. Whether for treatment for acute illness, or recovery from surgery, medical care often spans a few days or less, with 5 and a half days being the average length. But there are some patients who require more extensive treatment and recovery time. In these cases, choosing a care facility that’s a Swing Bed Provider can be extremely beneficial.
Here’s how these Swing Bed programs benefit patients, their families, and the community as a whole.
What Is a Swing Bed Provider?
Swing Bed providers are part of a Medicare-funded program that supports patients who need an extended stay to recover from serious injury or illness in a hospital setting. While they may no longer need the level of medical attention they received when they first arrived at the hospital, Swing Bed patients receive beneficial, transitional care before they’re ready to return back to their home environment and routine. Medicare Part A, the government-funded hospital insurance program, provides coverage for these extended care services. Medicare advantage plans also provide coverage.
What Does Morgan Medical Center’s Swing Bed Program Encompass?
Swing Bed services may look different from one hospital to the next. Here at Morgan Medical Center, our Swing Bed program encompasses the following services:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Recreational therapy
- Wound care
- IV infusion therapy
In addition, patients receiving these services can enjoy the amenities offered at our center, including:
- A private room and bathroom with a television
- Indoor/outdoor therapy spaces
- Round-the-clock access to doctors and other medical staff
- A nurse-to-patient ratio of 5:1
- Free Wi-Fi
- 3 gourmet meals per day
- Salon services
- State-of-the-art smart bed technology and safety features
Most people who recuperate with our Swing Bed program stay in our facility for an average of 14 to 21 days. During this time, they receive two therapy sessions daily, for a total of two to three hours. Our rehabilitation team collaborates to ensure each patient receives the individualized level of care they need, whether it’s working with our physical, occupational, speech, or recreation therapists — or a combination of several.
We also have a state-of-the-art facility with spacious amenities, allowing patients to recover in a home-like environment. Our outdoor therapy garden and putting green, fully-equipped and updated therapy gym, and private rooms allow patients to replicate activities of daily living so they can be confident when transitioning back home.
How Does the Swing Bed Program Benefit Our Community?
The advantages of Swing Bed programs span far and wide. Designed to support members of smaller communities, the Swing Bed program supports an easier transition for patients between acute and extended care. In our program, patients are able to continue receiving care from award-winning specialists, trained nurses, and other medical professionals without any disruptions. This can promote better overall patient outcomes and reduce rates of readmission.
Swing bed facilities also benefit patients’ family members and other support people. The program prevents the need to find at-home skilled nursing care for your loved one upon their discharge. Additionally, patients can transfer from higher-level acute hospitals to our swing bed program.
The Swing Bed program is especially beneficial to rural communities. Transportation to and from care facilities can be a barrier to receiving consistent, quality care for individuals who are recovering from illness or injury. Swing Bed care grants them access to specialized equipment and professional care without having to rely on public or private transportation, which can be challenging for people with limited mobility or medical complications.
Schedule a Swing Bed Program Appointment Today
Here’s how these Swing Bed programs benefit patients, their families, and the community as a whole.With skilled nursing care and a full team of licensed therapists, Morgan Medical Center offers a robust Swing Bed program to meet a diverse range of patient needs. See a full list of accommodations online, or call 706-752-2801 for questions or to make a referral.