Many people are under the impression that medical facilities often try to send patients home as quickly as possible. Yet small-town hospitals like East Adams Rural Healthcare put patients’ well-being first by providing what’s known as “transitional care” to patients who are not quite yet ready to go home. These “swing bed” programs are often used after surgery, illness, or injury when a patient still requires medical attention, physical therapy, or nursing care.
In this post, we’ll explain how and why a patient may need to transition (or “swing”) seamlessly from acute care to skilled nursing care within the same facility before their return home.
What Is a Swing Bed Program?
A swing bed program is ideal when a patient needs additional recovery time and support after an illness or surgery in the hospital. Patients recovering from joint replacements, strokes, or complex medical conditions often benefit from prolonged care. A swing bed program can provide this care in a comfortable and supportive environment while they recover from their primary treatment.
The most common reasons a hospital may use a swing bed program include:
- Post-surgical recovery
- Complex wound care
- Rehabilitation after illness or injury
- Chronic disease management
- IV medication therapy
- Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
Families want their loved ones to receive the very best care. However, some initially worry that a swing bed program is a long-term care solution, like a nursing home. This is not the case. The transitional program is for short-term rehabilitation and recovery and to help patients regain strength and independence to return home safely.
Why Our Transitional Care Is Beneficial
Choosing the best care for a loved one after an illness or surgery can be stressful and confusing for many people. Transitional care at East Adams Rural Healthcare makes sure every patient is thoroughly cared for.
Here are a few reasons why EARH’s program might be the best option for their transition from acute care to skilled nursing care:
- Expert care. Patients receive care from skilled nurses, therapists, and medical professionals specializing in recovery and rehabilitation.
- Personalized treatment plans. Each patient’s care plan is tailored to their needs, ensuring that they get the appropriate monitoring, therapy, and medications to make a full recovery.
- Familiar and local. Your loved one remains in the same trusted facility, avoiding the stress of transferring to another location.
- Community-centered approach. East Adams Rural Healthcare prides itself on being a part of our local community, offering the kind of personalized attention and care close to home that big city hospitals can’t always provide.
What to Expect From EARH’s Transitional Care
Here’s a look at what makes East Adams Rural Healthcare’s swing bed program stand out:
Skilled Nursing Care
EARH offers 24/7 nursing support for patients, so their medical needs are well cared for.
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Therapists work closely with patients to help them regain mobility, strength, and independence.
Medication Management
Transitional care provides patients who need IV treatments or ongoing medication with professional oversight and administration.
A Focus on Comfort
The environment at EARH is designed to be as much like home as possible, making the recovery process smoother and more pleasant.
A Proven Path to Recovery
Research has shown that swing beds can significantly improve patient outcomes. Patients using swing bed services after hospitalization experience a higher rate of functional improvement, allowing them to return home faster and with greater independence than those who don’t have access to such services.
According to the Rural Health Information Hub, rural areas benefit most from comprehensive swing bed programs. They help both the hospital and the patient. Patients remain close to home, and both the patient and hospital benefit from not having to transfer them to urban centers.
Learn More About the Swing Bed Program at EARH
If your loved one needs an extended recovery period after an acute hospital stay, the East Adams Rural Healthcare swing bed program could be the best solution. It offers expert care, personalized treatment, and the support needed to help patients transition back to their daily lives.
Contact us today to learn more and see how we can support your family during this critical recovery period.
