Skilled Nursing

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When patients reach the point in their recovery that acute care is no longer necessary but are not yet ready to leave the hospital, they can be evaluated for skilled nursing care to see if they meet the criteria for a swing bed.

Swing Bed Care - Frequently Asked Questions

Swing Bed care is a wonderful option that is particularly helpful whenever a patient needs only a few more days or weeks in order to reach their optimal recovery.

Who could benefit from a swing bed program?

Patients who need rehabilitation or therapy after orthopedic surgery, such as joint replacement.

Patients recovering from a stroke who do not qualify for admission to an inpatient rehab center.

Patients receiving IV therapy.

Patients needing to regain strength and mobility after an illness, injury, or surgery.

Patients needing diabetic management.

Patients needing “new-onset” diagnosis teaching/education

Patients may qualify for Nutritional and/or medication management needs.

Patients needing wound care

How do patients benefit from swing bed services?

You’ll find that Medicare and most insurance companies cover post-acute rehab services. These services are usually covered under the “Skilled Nursing Facility” benefit category. Medicare and state regulations provide the following patient eligibility guidelines:A patient must be hospitalized as an “Acute Care Inpatient” (not an “Observation Patient”) for a minimum of three consecutive midnights within a 30-day period.Our wound care program has a certified wound care nurse, caring for all types of wounds.Admissions can come from any hospital, including our hospital, after three consecutive midnights as an inpatient in acute care.We recommend that you contact your insurance company for specific coverage before making any health care decisions.Who is part of your care team?Physicians: Board certified physicians care for each patient and are available 24 hours a day. These experts may also request consultations with other specialists during your stay.Nurses: Qualified nurses provide daily, individualized care to each patient.Dietitian: Our licensed dietitian can complete a dietary evaluation to determine your nutritional needs, track your progress, make dietary recommendations, and provide nutritional education.Rehabilitation Team: Our comprehensive rehabilitation team includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. Services provided include strength and endurance training, range of motion and therapeutic exercise, and gait training.Pharmacy: Our clinically trained pharmacists are available to advise physicians on the dosages, interactions, and side effects of medications. They can also answer patient questions about prescription drugs.Case Managers: A case manager also coordinates with the referring institution to ensure that you have a smooth transition into the program. In addition, your case manager works with your insurance company to determine eligibility and coverage for benefits. Our case manager can assist you with transitional care needs and discharge planning home services.

What are your personalized treatment plans?

Our compassionate nurses, therapists and support personnel work with patients to determine the best treatment plan for each patient.Treatment plans are developed with the patient’s specific needs in mind. Daily therapy is centered on self-care skills and body strengthening, which will increase the patient’s independence.Patients may remain in the program for as long as they have skilled therapeutic goals to achieve. When a patient has met his/her goals, they will be discharged to home or to another setting.Activities: We complete a thorough activity assessment to identify patient’s personal activity choices. We offer a variety of diversions including music, newspapers, puzzles, crafts, etc.

What happens after the swing bed program?

Each patient makes progress based on individual medical needs and rehabilitative potential. The multidisciplinary team will continuously monitor your progress and evaluate new goals until they determine you are ready for discharge.You may be referred to home health or outpatient rehabilitation services for additional therapies to help you attain your long-term recovery goals.

How do I get more information?

Contact Lori Fortner, our Swing Bed coordinator, at (520) 720-6580

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