Transitional care, more commonly known as “swing beds,”allows a patient to move from acute care to post-acute care while staying in the same hospital and the same bed. Swing beds are ideal for patients who no longer need inpatient care but still require rehabilitation or skilled nursing before returning home. During transitional care, patients continue receiving services during the “bridge” phase between hospital stays and full recovery at home.
The concept of swing beds has grown in popularity with healthcare systems, especially rural providers, to ensure a safer and faster recovery for patients so they can get home sooner.
What Is a Swing Bed?
A swing bed is a versatile hospital room that can transition from surgery, intensive care, or other in-facility treatment to rehabilitation or skilled nursing care. Patients can remain in a familiar environment where they will receive ongoing care from experienced nurses and therapists as they focus on their recovery. It provides a comprehensive range of skilled care services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative services.
The benefits of a transitional care program are significant because of the full range of consistent support provided by the healthcare professionals who have been involved from the start, making the recovery process smoother.
Some health events that often benefit from transitional care include:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Traumatic fall
- Scheduled surgery
- Pneumonia
Transitional care is intended to provide temporary support, lasting anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the patient’s condition.
Benefits of Transitional Care
Swing bed services offer local care, easing the burden of travel for both patients and caregivers. Patients can complete their rehabilitation closer to home, resulting in a quicker return to their community. Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan delivered by their providers and therapists.
When a longer stay is needed to get healthy before heading back home, swing bed care offers many benefits for patients, including:
- Continued medical care. Receiving consistent medical care in a familiar environment closer to home, ensuring a seamless continuity of care.
- Rehabilitation therapy. Patients have access to physical, occupational, or speech therapy, helping them to regain strength and independence.
- Reduced risk of hospital readmission. Reduced risk of complications or infections linked to longer hospitalization and readmission for further care.
- Improved mental well-being. Transitioning to a more comfortable environment can significantly improve recovery morale.
East Adams Rural Healthcare’s Transitional Care Program
The East Adams Rural Healthcare team helps our patients get back on the road to recovery as quickly and safely as possible. Through our swing bed program, we offer a comfortable and familiar environment where patients receive the necessary care to regain their strength and independence before returning home.
East Adams Rural Healthcare’s transitional care program offers:
- Skilled nursing professionals who are trained and qualified to address and treat a wide range of conditions.
- Personalized care plans that are tailored to each patient’s recovery plan.
- A patient-centered environment in a comfortable and supportive atmosphere.
East Adams Rural Healthcare’s swing bed program can be an effective way to help you recover quickly and get back to living your life. Visit our website or contact us to learn more about East Adams Rural Healthcare’s transitional care program.
