Don’t feel bad if you’ve never heard the term Swing Bed – you’re not alone! Swing Bed programs are one of the best benefits at rural community hospitals, which makes recovering close to family and friends easy! The information below will help you determine if Swing Bed care would be a good fit for your loved one.
What is a Swing Bed?
Medicare permits certain small, rural hospitals to use Swing Beds as needed, either for acute care or skilled care, hence the term “Swing Bed,” as physicians may “swing” patients from one level of care to another while staying in the same facility. Be aware that Swing Bed programs differ from one facility to another.
If your loved one needs time to recover from a surgery, illness or injury, a Swing Bed program would allow them to recover in a hospital setting versus a nursing home. In the hospital, they would have easy access to nursing care and therapies. The goal of a Swing Bed program is to assist your loved one in becoming as independent as possible before discharge.
When is a Swing Bed appropriate?
If your loved one needs any of the following care, Swing Bed would be appropriate:
What types of services do Swing Bed programs offer?
The goal with a Swing Bed program is to help you achieve your maximum level of function and return home. Because Swing Bed programs are located within hospitals, they’re often able to offer specialized service, such as:
Who pays for Swing Bed?
Medicare Part A will generally pay for a Swing Bed program if the patient meets the following Medicare criteria:
Many commercial insurances also offer a Swing Bed benefit, which the hospital would need to verified prior to an admission to Swing Bed. Patients may also pay privately. They would need to contact their local Swing Bed program on price.
How long can my parent stay in a Swing Bed program?
Generally, you can stay in a Swing Bed program as long as you are making measurable progress as determined by rehabilitation services, nursing and the physician. You could be in the program for as little as three days or up to 100 days. After you have reached your goals, Medicare will no longer fund your stay in a Swing Bed program. It is very important to check with the facility of your choice to inquire about how their program is run.
If the hospital where my parent recently stayed doesn’t have Swing Bed, are they out of luck?
No! Ask your parent’s discharge planner, case manager or social worker to help them find a local hospital that offers Swing Bed programs in the area. When it comes to your loved one’s health, be proactive and don’t be afraid to ask for them!
Source: Edgerton Hospital
1220 3rd Ave. West
Durand, WI 54736
265 Griffin Street East
Amery, WI 54001
614 Memorial Dr.
Chilton, WI 53014
2817 New Pinery Rd.
Portage, WI 53901
201 Hospital Rd.
Eagle River, WI 54521
112 E. Fifth Avenue
Antigo, WI 54409
135 South Gibson St.
Medford, WI 54451
601 S. Center Ave.
Merrill, WI 54452
1120 Pine St.
Stanley, WI 54768
401 W. Mohawk Dr.
Tomahawk, WI 54487
5000 Memorial Dr.
Two Rivers, WI 54241
820 Arbutus Ave.
Oconto, WI 54153
711 W. Adams St.
Black River Falls, WI 54615
257 W. St. George Ave.
Grantsburg, WI 54840
37868 US HWY 18
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
1705 16th Ave.
Cumberland, WI 54829
323 S. 18th Ave.
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
11101 North Sherman Road
Edgerton, WI 53534
3500 Tower Ave.
Superior, WI 54880
611 Sherman Avenue East
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
507 S. Monroe St.
Lancaster, WI 53813
205 Parker St.
Boscobel, WI 53805
400 Water Ave.
Hillsboro, WI 54634
18601 Lincoln St.
Whitehall, WI 54773
240 Maple St.
Woodruff, WI 54568
855 S. Main St.
Oconto Falls, WI 54154
405 Stageline Rd.
Hudson, WI 54016
113 4th Ave.
Shell Lake, WI 54871
2600 65th Ave.
Osceola, WI 54020
707 S. University Ave.
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
1200 Port Arthur Rd.
Ladysmith, WI 54848
N3708 River Ave.
Neillsville, WI 54456
1501 Thompson St.
Bloomer, WI 54724
1222 E. Woodland Ave.
Barron, WI 54812
2321 Stout Rd.
Menomonie, WI 54751
310 W. Main St.
Sparta, WI 54656
13025 8th St.
Osseo, WI 54758
800 Clay St.
Darlington, WI 53530
N2950 State Rd 67
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
1515 Park Ave.
Columbus, WI 53925
2000 N. Dewey Ave.
Reedsburg, WI 53959
333 E. Second St.
Richland Center, WI 53581
1629 E. Division St.
River Falls, WI 54022
260 26th St.
Prairie du Sac, WI 53578
1400 Eastside Rd.
Platteville, WI 53818
1280 Chandler Dr.
Spooner, WI 54801
845 Parkside St.
Ripon, WI 54971
620 W. Brown St.
Waupun, WI 53963
235 E. State St.
St. Croix Falls, WI 54024
900 Ridge St.
Stoughton, WI 53589
11040 N State Rd 77
Hayward, WI 54843
1405 Mill St.
New London, WI 54961
100 County Road B
Shawano, WI 54166
800 Riverside Dr.
Waupaca, WI 54981
501 Gopher Dr.
Tomah, WI 54660
800 Compassion Way
Dodgeville, WI 53533
125 Hospital Dr.
Watertown, WI 53098
507 S. Main St.
Viroqua, WI 54665
1100 Bergslien St.
Baldwin, WI 54002
535 Hospital Rd.
New Richmond, WI 54017