What is a "Swing Bed"?

Medicare permits certain rural hospitals, such as EARH, to use their hospital beds either for acute care (normal hospital use) or for skilled-nursing care, long or short term. Hence, the term "Swing Bed" meaning the use of the bed can "swing" from one type of care use to another.

Our swing bed unit offers post-acute rehab, as well as long term care needs for our local area.

Post-acute care and rehab is for patients recently discharged from the hospital whose needs exceed those that may be safely met at home. Patients staying in swing bed for a short term stay can expect our skilled team of professionals to work closely with you and your family to provide you with the best care possible. In order to get you back to your highest level of functioning our interdisciplinary team will work closely with you to achieve your goals to return home as soon possible. The interdisciplinary team will meet with you and your family weekly to ensure excellent care and the best outcome during your stay here at East Adams Rural Healthcare. With the coordination of our nursing staff, therapists and medical providers the focus of care will be to gain optimum functionality and independence.

Due to our limited number of beds available for long term care we consider accepting long term care clients on a case by case basis to ensure we may adequately meet each patients holistic care needs. If you or a loved one are in need of the services listed above please contact Amelia at 509.659.5417

Who is part of the interdisciplinary team?

  • Primary-care providers on site Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm, and on-call providers available as needed outside usual business hours.
  • The rehabilitation team, consisting of physical, occupational, and speech therapists.
  • Social Services, as well as emotional support & care coordination throughout admission. Coordinating care from admission through discharge.
  • Our Licensed dietician & dietary manager will track nutritional needs throughout admission as well as provide nutritional education as needed.
  • On site pharmacy with Pharmacists available via phone 24/7 for medication questions, concerns or requests for new orders.

Our qualified nursing staff consists of a Registered Nurse as well as a Licensed Practical Nurse & 2 Certified Nursing Assistants at all times to provide patient care.

Long-term skilled swing-bed may be of interest if you find yourself or a loved one in need of a more permanent, caring and supportive environment. Our swing-bed program can provide all that-and, keep the patient near and accessible to his or her family and friends. Residents of swing bed for long term care can expect a comfortable living environment focused on individualized care planning created with the resident and their loved ones. Our staff promotes independence in a healing environment, treating both residents their families and visitors with kindness, dignity and respect. The goal of our long term care unit is to offer skilled nursing care in our community to our local area residents, enabling them to remain local while still receiving needed long term care.

We offer respite and hospice care services as well, and we accept Medicare, Medicaid, private pay and long term care insurance.

For more information regarding the swing bed program, or any other services, please contact our staff to assist you: (509) 659-1200 or (509) 659-5417

Five Wishes

Five wishes is a legal form that does not require an attorney or notary in Washington State. It is a simple form of Advanced Care Planning discussing what our wishes are for the end of our life and what we want our loved ones and care providers to know. If you would like more information on Five Wishes, please visit www.fivewishes.org. Feel Free to contact our Care Coordinator Nicki Wolf or Social Services Department Lead Amelia Bernal for more information or assistance.