Swing Bed Program
What is Swing Bed?
Swing bed is a special program that provides 24 hour skilled nursing care for patients who require medically supervised nursing care on a continuous basis, but do not require the level of intensive care provided in an acute care hospital. After a surgery, injury, illness, or stroke, you may be improving, but still require some additional skilled care before transitioning to your home environment. Ashley County Medical Center offers a skilled nursing level of hospitalization care called Swing Bed for patients who need certain services before discharging home. Swing bed patients are cared for on our acute care med-surg floor by our staff of well-trained health care professionals. You will received high quality care close to home where you are close to friends, family, and loved ones.
Who Qualifies for Swing Bed?
- The patient must have Medicare Part A or an insurance that has skilled nursing care benefits & have available days to use. (A few other conditions may apply also but our coordinator will help with these.)
- The patient must spend at least 3 consecutive inpatient midnights in a hospital setting prior to admission to Swingbed with most insurances.
- The patient must require a skill such as but not limited to, IV Therapy, IV medications, sterile dressing changes, regulation of insulin, rehab after a stroke, hip or knee replacement, or strength training after a prolonged hospitalization.
How do you benefit from Swing Bed?
- You will be able to stay close to home while receiving skilled care.
- You will be able to go to a skilled level of care while meeting your needs for a longer inpatient stay.
- Families will be able to visit with convenience.
- A Swing bed stay in the your community allows increased family involvement for support and training.
- The referring hospital and your family members can be assured that the skilled care needed will be continued by our trained professional staff.
- Decreased burden on your family (travel, cost of gas…)
- Increased patient/family satisfaction.
- A Swing bed stay allows more time for family education, training, etc.
- A Swing bed stay allows for more of an opportunity to identify your needs to assure a safe and sustainable return home.
- A Swing bed admission can prevent early re-admission to a hospital.
Benefits at Ashley County Medical Center Swing Bed Program
Besides having large spacious private rooms, our skilled professionals can work to quickly help you restore independence in your daily living & educate you & your family on safety.
Skilled care provided by nursing or other rehab professionals.
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- Respiratory Therapy
- IV Therapy
- Tube Feeding
- Wound Care
- Pain Management
- Nutrition and/or Hydration
- Sterile Dressing Changes
- Regulation of Insulin
If you or a family member are interested in our comprehensive Swing Bed services please call Ashley Whitaker at (870) 364-0538 for more information.
