If you’ve ever been in the hospital, you know how strong that feeling of wanting to return home can be. You want to be in your own bed, enjoying the comfort and familiarity of the place and people you love. But going home immediately after an illness, accident, or surgery isn’t always the best or safest option, especially if you need ongoing care or support.
Swing bed hospitals are a unique healthcare solution that bridges the gap between acute care in the hospital and living independently at home. They provide a safe and supportive environment for recovery and ongoing care. Learn more about swing bed hospitals, including what they are, who can use them, and where to find one in Adam County.
What Are Swing Bed Hospitals?
The difference between swing bed hospitals and traditional hospitals is the service offered. Swing bed hospitals are hospitals that offer two kinds of services:
- Acute care services, such as those provided in traditional hospital settings
- Skilled nursing care, similar to what you’d find in a nursing home
The beds, or hospital rooms, can “swing” between short-term acute care for patients recovering from illness or surgery and long-term skilled nursing services such as physical therapy and wound care. By offering both types of care, the patients can continue to receive medical attention in a familiar environment before transitioning back to life at home.
Benefits of Swing Bed Hospitals
Swing bed hospitals offer several advantages for both patients and the larger healthcare system, including:
Focus on Recovery
Swing beds provide a space where patients can focus on their recovery. They’ll have access to ongoing medical care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, wound care, and other treatments. Their care plan will help them regain strength, mobility, and the skills needed to manage their healthcare needs independently at home. By focusing on rehabilitation, patients are at less risk of developing complications or needing to be readmitted into acute care.
Smoother Transition to Home
Recovering in a familiar environment close to loved ones can improve a patient’s emotional and psychological well-being. Imagine the comfort of recuperating near family and friends who can offer emotional support and practical assistance during a difficult time. Swing beds allow families to play a more significant role in recovery. The collaboration between patients, loved ones, and healthcare professionals can make the transition back home much easier.
Reduced Healthcare Costs
While swing beds aren’t always cheaper than a traditional hospital stay, they can be more cost-effective than long-term hospitalization or nursing home placements. Thanks to their focus on recovery, swing beds can potentially shorten the overall recovery timeline and reduce total healthcare costs. Medicare and private insurance plans also recognize their benefits and may offer coverage options that make swing bed hospitals a more financially viable option for patients.
Who Can Benefit From Swing Bed Hospitals?
Swing bed care is ideal for many types of patients. Those recovering from surgeries like joint replacement or hip fractures can benefit from physical therapy and rehabilitation services. This is also true for individuals who require ongoing therapy services for strokes, cardiac conditions, or chronic illnesses.
Swing beds are also a good option for seniors who need daily living assistance before they are ready to return home. They can build confidence in caring for themselves while staying in a supportive environment.
Where to Find a Swing Bed Hospital
Talk to your doctor if you would like to learn more about swing bed hospitals for an upcoming hospital stay. They can assess your needs and determine if it’s the right option for you.
East Adams Rural Healthcare offers swing bed services to our community. Our compassionate and skilled nursing staff provides care to help you retain strength and autonomy after a hospital stay. Contact us today to learn more about our swing bed program and how it can help you on the road to recovery.
