At Thayer County Health Services, we understand there are times when a patient no longer needs the acute care they first received in the hospital – yet they may not feel strong enough to return home. For those patients, we offer our Swing Bed Program.
What is the Swing Bed Program?
Swing Bed, also known as Certified Skilled Nursing, offers patients either skilled nursing care or skilled rehabilitation services, all under the supervision of a registered nurse. Care may be provided by licensed physical, occupational, respiratory, or speech therapists, depending on the patient’s needs. These daily skilled services are delivered in an inpatient setting with the goal of creating a therapeutic environment that supports recovery, promotes self-care, and helps patients regain independence.
Why use Swing Bed care?
The Swing Bed Program offers patients, families, and care providers a unique opportunity to support and strengthen the healing process. Many patients return to TCHS from other facilities to take advantage of our Swing Bed services, receiving follow-up care from our trusted medical team in a familiar, comfortable setting—close to the people who matter most.
Benefits include:
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Emotional comfort: Admissions are often less stressful and intimidating than other care transitions.
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Community connection: Patients return to familiar surroundings, people, and support systems.
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Coverage options: The Swing Bed Program is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans. Medicare reimbursement does require a three-night qualifying stay at an acute care facility.
Services Included in the Swing Bed Program:
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24-hour nursing care to assist, encourage, and plan for restoring as much independence as possible.
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Comfortable room and board accommodations.
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Nutritional support from a registered dietitian, including special diets as ordered by a physician and oversight of menu selections.
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Rehabilitation services—physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapy—when prescribed by a physician.
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Medications, medical supplies, blood transfusions, laboratory services, and use of necessary medical equipment during the stay.
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Support from the hospital’s activity director and discharge planning coordinator.
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Specialized wound care and IV therapy.
Questions?
If you would like some additional information, please call:
Joni Campbell, CSW
402-768-4626
Diane Vorderstrasse, LPN-C
402-768-2613