When patients are discharged from the hospital, they often go from needing constant medical attention from professionals to managing things on their own at home very quickly. That can cause a lot of anxiety about how you’ll manage your conditions without the help of your care providers.
Swing beds offer another healthcare option. They give you a space to recover when you no longer need acute medical care but aren’t ready to be home on your own. In this post, you’ll discover what a swing bed is and get answers to common concerns you might have about transitional care.
Addressing Common Swing Bed Concerns
A swing bed, also known as a transitional care unit, is a program within a hospital designed to ease patients’ recovery after the hospital and before they go home.
The swing bed isn’t actually a bed. Instead, it’s a hospital room that allows you to “swing” from acute care to skilled nursing care. You don’t have to transfer to a new facility and can continue receiving the care you need in a familiar environment.
Do I Get the Same Level of Care As I Would in Acute Care?
Swing bed units are staffed by highly qualified medical professionals, including skilled nurses and therapists. You might even see some of the same doctors and nurses who gave you acute care. The focus shifts from constant monitoring to recovery, but you’ll continue to receive the same high standard of care you’ve come to expect.
Will I Be Comfortable in the Swing Bed Facility?
Swing bed facilities are comfortable and supportive environments that aid in your recovery journey. You might have a private or shared room and enjoy amenities like comfortable furnishings, internet access, and a television. Staff will also be on hand to make sure you have everything you need. Your family and friends can come to visit you, too.
How Long Will I Stay in a Swing Bed?
How long you stay in a swing bed unit will depend on your needs and recovery progress. You’ll work closely with your doctors, therapists, and family to create a recovery plan and set some healthcare goals. Your medical team will assess your progress and discharge you when they are confident in your ability to manage your condition at home.
What Happens When I Leave a Swing Bed Unit?
Your care doesn’t end when you leave a swing bed unit. The unit works closely with you and your loved ones to ensure you are prepared for a smooth transition back home. They’ll create a discharge plan outlining the follow-up care you’ll need. They can also help connect you to home health services, outpatient therapy programs, or community resources that can help you.
Benefits of Swing Bed Facilities
Swing bed facilities offer a lot of value to patients recovering from an illness or surgery. Some of the benefits include:
- Continuity of care. You can continue your recovery in a familiar environment close to home, family, and friends.
- Faster recovery. Swing beds offer on-site rehabilitation services like physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
- Reduced stress. No unsettling transition to a new facility, and no need to be further away from your loved one.
- Better preparation for going home. Swing beds focus on helping you build the skills and confidence needed to manage your health at home.
- More cost-effective. Swing beds are often less expensive than at-home skilled nursing services or extended acute care.
Let EARH Find the Right Care for Your Situation
East Adams Rural Healthcare is committed to your well-being. We provide compassionate, comprehensive care throughout your healthcare journey, and our swing bed program is an important part of that process. Swing beds offer comfortable, supportive environments where you can get the care you need to get back on your feet.
Want to learn more about your healthcare options? Contact the East Adams Rural Healthcare team today. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about our swing beds or any of our other patient programs.
