Swing Bed Services

Thank you for considering our facility for your rehabilitation needs. Washington County Hospital’s goal is to offers a comforting alternative for patients who no longer need an acute inpatient hospital care, yet who may not be well or strong enough to return home immediately.

What is a Swing Bed Unit?

A “Swing Bed Unit” — a Medicare skilled nursing facility – is a Transitional Rehabilitation Program, also known as "swingbed". It is designed to provide patients with individualized, in-hospital care and physical rehabilitation to help them reach an optimal level of functioning.

The staff provides treatment services in a structured, therapeutic environment. These services — which include daily nursing care by registered nurses and rehabilitative therapists— facilitate the recovery for each patient. This post-acute care is designed for patients who are discharging from acute care, but need temporary additional care that cannot be provided at home or through outpatient care. Through a combination of focused rehabilitative therapies, attentive nursing care and medical supervision, patients gain the strength, functionality, balance and range of motion they need to care for themselves with confidence. Patients may be able to participate in the program if their medical needs cannot be met at home, but their condition no longer requires a stay in an acute care setting.

To be referred to Swing Bed, the patient must have completed a three-day qualifying acute care hospital stay, meaning they must have spent three consecutive days in one or more hospitals – three days including the day of admission and in addition to the day of discharge.

We accept Medicare and some Medicare Advantage Plans. Our trained Case Management Team will work with you and your insurance to facilitate third-party payment for services provided. The case management team will provide your insurance company reports on your progress, as required.

Rehabilitation Services
Physical, occupational, and speech therapies are available as ordered by your physician.

Goal setting
Once you’ve arrived, our staff will work with you and your family to set treatment goals. Your care team will meet weekly to review your progress. You and your family are invited to participate in these meetings with the physician, case manager, and other key personnel.

What to bring
Pack comfortable clothing to wear each day. Swing Bed does not have laundry facilities. Plan to bring or have your family provide you with clean clothes throughout your stay.

Packing checklist:
• Comfortable, Supportive Shoes
• Lightweight, Loose-Fitting Clothing (a five-day supply to start)
• Personal Care Items (such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo)
• Personal Photos (or other items to decorate your room to provide comfort and familiarity)
• Sleepwear
We encourage you to personalize your room, but please know that we cannot assume the responsibility for loss or theft of items. Valuable items such as jewelry or money should be left at home.

For family members
We encourage family and friends to visit loved ones and take an active role in their recovery.

Also, family members can help by:
• Assisting the patient and care team to decide the timing and transition back home, after participating in the Swing Bed Program.
• Participating in the family education and training sessions.
• Providing emotional support and encouragement.
• Providing the care team with insight into the patient’s personality, interests and lifestyle.

Completing the program
The length of time a patient stays with the Swing Bed Program depends on his or her individual needs. The best discharge plans begin on day of admission. Some patients are able to return home, and others may need to explore additional care options for when they leave. The care team can help by providing recommendations and alternatives for future care when necessary, but we encourage you and your family to begin thinking about the discharge plan as soon as possible.