After an extended hospital stay, the road to recovery doesn’t always take you straight home. You may come to a point where you no longer need acute care, but you aren’t quite ready to manage your healthcare needs independently. During this transitional phase of care, you need ongoing medical support that focuses on regaining your strength and independence. This is where swing beds can help.
Swing beds fill a unique gap in the healthcare industry. They aren’t actual beds but a nickname for hospital rooms that transition from acute care to skilled nursing support. They allow you to continue receiving medical care and therapeutic services in a familiar environment close to loved ones.
Curious about what it’s like to stay in a swing bed at the hospital? Discover more about swing beds and the experience of staying in one at East Adams Rural Healthcare.
What Is It Like to Stay in a Swing Bed at the Hospital?
Our swing bed rooms — more commonly referred to as “transitional care units” — are designed to be a comfortable and supportive environment as you transition from traditional hospital care and prepare to go home. Let’s look at some of the specific elements that make staying in a swing bed so beneficial.
The Room
The exact layout of each room may vary slightly, but you can generally expect amenities such as:
- A comfortable bed for a good night’s sleep
- A private bathroom for comfort and convenience
- A call system so you can reach out to nursing staff 24 hours a day
Our swing beds also provide basic amenities like towels, linens, and essential toiletries. You can bring along personal items to make your stay more comfortable, too. We recommend pajamas, slippers, and your favorite toiletries. Books, smartphones, and tablets are also great, as they can entertain you between your therapy sessions. Your friends and family can visit you while you stay in a swing bed, which can help your recovery and boost your spirits.
We design our swing beds to be more than a hospital room. They are peaceful environments where you can focus on healing, surrounded by essential care and support.
The Medical Care
You’ll continue to receive medical care in your swing bed, even as you transition away from traditional acute care. The emphasis will swing toward helping you regain your strength and independence.
A dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and therapists will work closely with you every step of the way. They’ll design a personalized care plan that addresses your specific needs and aims to get you back home as soon as possible. Your healthcare team will monitor your progress throughout your stay and make any adjustments that might be necessary.
Nurses will be available 24 hours a day if you need anything during your stay.
The Therapeutic Services
One of the biggest benefits of staying in a swing bed is the direct access to therapeutic services that can help you regain your independence. During your stay, you might work with skilled nursing professionals such as:
- Physical therapists help you improve your balance and coordination and increase your mobility.
- Occupational therapists assist with re-learning and practicing daily living skills like dressing, bathing, or preparing meals.
- Speech therapists help with communication issues, swallowing problems, or cognitive impairments.
You may also work with respiratory therapists, nutritional counselors, or social workers. EARH will assemble a team tailored to your unique situation and healthcare goals so you can start building up the skills you need to manage life independently once again.
EARH Offers Swing Bed Services to Help You Get Back Home
Swing beds at East Adams Rural Healthcare can bridge the gap between hospitalization and going home. They are an alternative to rehabilitation centers and nursing homes, providing you with support in a familiar environment close to friends and family. With comfortable rooms, personalized care plans, and essential skilled nursing services, our swing beds are designed to help you return home confident and capable.
Contact us today to learn more about our swing bed program and how it can help you regain independence.
