When you hear the term “swing bed medical care,” what comes to mind? Many people will think about a piece of hospital equipment or specialized care for older adults. But swing bed programs are so much more than that.
Often found in Critical Access Hospitals like East Adams Rural Healthcare, swing beds are one of the most important tools a patient has when it comes to their recovery journey.
Let’s clear the air about what a swing bed really is (and what it isn’t)—it could make a big difference for your next hospital stay.
Think you or a loved one could benefit from swing bed medical care? Learn More Here
What is Swing Bed Medical Care?
A swing bed is a regular bed in a hospital that can “swing” or transition between acute care and skilled nursing care. Essentially, it’s a way to change the kind of care a person receives in a hospital without moving them to a different facility (or even a different room).
With a swing bed, a patient who no longer needs acute care can stay in the hospital and receive rehabilitation or daily medical support. They get to stay in a familiar setting, work with a care team they already know and trust, and be closer to friends and family.
EARH’s swing bed program supports recovery needs, from joint replacement or long-term illness recovery and more.
Myth #1: Swing Beds Are the Same as Nursing Homes
A swing bed medical program is very different from long-term care you get in a nursing home. Nursing homes are residential facilities for people who need ongoing care, likely for the remainder of their lives. Swing bed care, on the other hand, is temporary—stays vary from a few days to a few weeks.
The goal of a swing bed is to give a patient extra time to regain independence before they return home. The swing bed is a bridge between hospital and home, giving the patient the nursing and rehab support needed for a smoother recovery journey.
Myth #2: You Have to Be a Senior to Use a Swing Bed
While seniors benefit from swing bed services, they’re far from the only ones who are eligible for this kind of medical service. Anyone recovering from surgery, injury, or a long-term illness (and who meets Medicare or insurance criteria) may qualify for a swing bed.
Younger adults can benefit from a swing bed, too, especially if they don’t have a support network at home to help them with their recovery process. Swing bed care is about level of need, not age.
Myth #3: Swing Bed Services Don’t Offer Specialized Therapies
Some may believe that they can only get specialized physical, occupational, and speech therapy by staying in a large recovery facility somewhere far from home. But even smaller swing bed programs often include:
- Physical therapy to help rebuild strength
- Occupational therapy to improve skills needed for daily life
- Speech therapy after a stroke
- Medication management
- Wound care
- Dietary support
- Care coordination
At EARH, patients in our swing bed program have access to all of this and more. We create individualized care plans tailored to your recovery goals and have a dedicated team to help you reach them.
Myth #4: Swing Beds Aren’t Covered by Insurance
Don’t assume all swing bed stays come with a hefty out-of-pocket price tag or aren’t covered by your insurance plan. The truth is most patients who qualify for swing bed medical care pay little or nothing out of pocket. Medicare offers swing bed care coverage for eligible patients who spend at least three consecutive nights in the hospital and need daily skilled nursing or therapy services.
Some private insurance plans may also cover swing bed care. EARH’s financial services team can help you verify your benefits and understand if your plan will cover your care. If cost is a concern, we can help you explore your payment options.
Myth #5: Swing Beds and Rehab Centers are the Same Thing
Swing bed programs and inpatient rehabilitation facilities both offer similar supportive medical care, but there are some key differences:
- Swing bed care is offered at Critical Access Hospitals like EARH and is generally covered under Medicare.
- Rehab centers tend to be located in more populated areas, meaning rural patients have to travel longer distances to stay in the facility.
Swing bed care tends to be more personalized to rural communities, because it’s staffed by people who also live there. Patients can stay in the same facilities they already know and trust, closer to home and loved ones.
The Truth: Swing Bed Medical Services Offer Major Advantages
The truth about swing beds is clear. They offer:
- Care close to home. You can stay near your family and support systems.
- Continuity of care. Recover with a familiar and trusted team you already know.
- Personalized treatment. Get a recovery plan tailored to your goals.
- Smoother recovery. Avoid unnecessary transfers or delays in treatment.
- Affordable care. If you meet eligibility requirements, you could pay little or nothing out of pocket.
The services of a swing bed hospital are even more valuable in rural areas like Adams County, where access to large rehab facilities could be limited to require you to travel long distances. Instead, you can get that kind of care right here in Ritzville.
Where to Find Swing Bed Medical Care Close to Home
If you or someone you love is recovering from surgery, illness, or injury, swing bed care could be the next step in your recovery. It could allow you to continue healing in a supportive, familiar environment with peace of mind from knowing professional care is always on-hand.
Want to find a swing bed close to home? EARH’s swing bed medical team is here to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you determine your insurance coverage. Discover the swing bed services at EARH or talk to a member of our team to learn more.
