To serve the needs of smaller communities, Medicare established coverage for Skilled Swing Bed programs.  Essentially, a patient can “swing” from acute care status to skilled nursing care status and receive assistance to help the patient reach a higher level of wellness and independence before returning home.

To qualify for a Skilled Swing Bed stay, the patient must have had a consecutive 3-day acute stay at a hospital within 30 days of Swing Bed admission. The patient must require skilled services and continue to show progress toward reaching their healthcare goals.

At Rice County District Hospital, services available during a qualified Skilled Swing Bed stay may include, but are not limited to, physical, occupational, or speech therapy, education and treatment for a particular disease, recovery from surgery, or long-term IV antibiotic therapy. Nursing staff is available 24/7 to provide compassionate care and work with the patient and their family to create a discharge plan to ensure the well-being of the patient when they return home.

Patients stay in comfortable, private rooms with access to whirlpool bath and personalized therapeutic plans. Weekly visits from their primary care provider foster a smooth progression to renewed wellness before returning home.

“We encourage Swing Bed Patients to be as independent as possible and to participate in activities to stimulate social interaction. Patients heal better when they feel supported and active in their healthcare plan.”

– Judy Hodgson, Chief Nursing Officer

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Rice County District Hospital at 620-257-5173.