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Swing Bed Programs
In the health care industry, a swing bed is not a hammock. A swing bed is a bed, located in the Medical/Surgical unit of Memorial Health Center (hospital setting).
An alternative to Memorial Health Center's Swing Bed program is Memorial Nursing & Rehab Center's Bridge to Home program. Contact Memorial Nursing & Rehab Center or a discharge planner for more information.
Skilled nurses and physicians are available 24 hours a day, but contrary to an acute hospital stay, patients may choose to participate in the recreational activities coordinated throughout the day at Memorial Nursing & Rehab Center, and they can wear their own clothing from home.
Persons who might qualify for the swing bed program may be those that require complex wound care, post-knee surgery care, post-hip surgery care, post-stroke care, and/or special IV antibiotic treatments.
Patients who have had a surgical procedure at another facility can be transferred to Memorial Health Center’s swing bed program. It is also possible for someone to qualify for a swing bed after he or she has been discharged home.
The goal of a Swing Bed Program is to return a patient to their optimal level of independence, so they can return home.
Guidelines & Expectations
- A physician is required to assess your progress on a weekly basis.
- On Wednesdays, your Swing Bed status will be evaluated by an interdisciplinary team. Families and patients are invited to attend.
- Rehabilitation (rehab) services are provided by physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapists of Memorial Health Center, Monday through Friday. Sessions may last 15 to 60 minutes, with one or two sessions per day. You are expected to actively participate in your rehab sessions during the week and follow through with nursing on weekends and evenings.
- You are encouraged to report pain to the nursing team to ensure successful pain management.
- Laundry service is provided for personal clothing. Items will be sent to the Laundry Department for labeling. Patients have the choice of having laundry removed from the facility for laundering. Three to four changes of clothing are recommended.
- Personal care includes complete bath and bed linen changes weekly and as needed. Assistance with oral hygiene is provided as needed.
Medicare Insurance
Medicare has strict guidelines that must be adhered before you are qualified for coverage. It is always recommended that you speak with a Social Services representative about Medicare coverage – what has changed, what has been added, and what charges are allowed.
Typically:
- Daily skilled nursing or rehabilitative services are required
- You must qualify for the Swing Bed Program on a daily basis
- You pay nothing for the first 20 days, except for any charges that are not allowable by Medicare. For the next 80 days, you pay a co-pay which may be billable to your supplemental insurance. No benefits are available after 100 days of care.
Private Insurance
Patients with private insurances should meet with discharge planning to discuss your individual payment requirements.
Typically:
- Daily skilled nursing or rehabilitative services are required
- You must qualify for the Swing Bed Program on a daily basis
Memorial Health Center’s discharge planners (715-748-8876) are the best people to talk to for more information regarding our Swing Bed Program.
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