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Personalized Transitional Care with
Our Swing Bed Program
The Swing Bed Program at Granite County Medical Center offers specialized care for patients who need additional support after an acute hospital stay but are not quite ready to go home.
This program helps patients transition from hospital care to independence, offering skilled nursing services and a focus on rehabilitation. We provide a supportive, healing environment with daily restorative services, such as physical therapy, balance training and wound care (not to mention hand-made, delicious meals!), to help patients achieve a successful, safe return home.
Swing Bed Program Eligibility and Medicare Coverage
Medicare covers Swing Bed services for patients who need additional skilled nursing or therapy following a hospital stay of at least three days. Under Medicare’s skilled nursing facility benefit, qualifying patients are eligible for up to 100 days of coverage, with 20 additional days available under a co-payment when necessary. Many private insurance carriers also cover the Swing Bed Program, and private funds can be used for those without insurance coverage.
Our team is equipped to care for patients with complex needs, including:
- After Surgery: Cardiac, neuro, orthopedic, abdominal and more
- 24-hour skilled nursing care and supervision
- Therapy Services: Physical and speech therapy
- Intravenous (IV) Antibiotics to treat a variety of infections
- Wound Care: Special attention and skill for wound healing and wound vacuum management
- Teaching and Training: Education on the management of new procedures or medication (i.e., new peg placement, newly diagnosed diabetic, new ostomy, heart failure, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Swing Bed Program?
The Swing Bed Program offers transitional care, meaning we help patients transition from a hospital setting to their homes. Through skilled nursing services, rehabilitative therapies and support for regaining independence, we set them up for success. Additionally, because most patients receive this service through Medicare, “transitional care” or “Swing Bed” can be used to refer to this program interchangeably.
Through our Swing Bed program, you will receive:
- A personalized plan of care
- Bedside rounds that engage you, your family and your care team to help you reach your goals
- Hospital-level nursing staff to keep you safe and help you recover
- A home-like environment that accommodates family and participation in activity and rehabilitation
- On-site medical professionals providing services such as therapy, radiology and laboratory that will address your specific needs
2. Who is eligible for the Swing Bed Program?
Patients are eligible based on medical need and must meet all three of the following qualifications:
- Have at least a consecutive three-night qualifying stay as an acute care patient within the last 30 days
- Require a skilled need such as physical therapy, nursing therapy, teaching and training, medication management such as IVs, observation and assessment
- Medicare A & B*
*Please note that other types of insurance can be accepted, however they will need pre-authorization. The GCMC team is here to help determine if your coverage or policy qualifies under the Medicare guidelines.
3. How long can I stay in the Swing Bed Program?
The length of stay in the Swing Bed Program depends on your medical needs and progress. Medicare covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing care, depending on your eligibility and the specific criteria for continued care.
4. Can family members visit patients in the Swing Bed Program?
Yes, family members are encouraged to visit and participate in the recovery process. Visiting hours and guidelines may vary, so please get in touch with the facility to confirm specific details and make arrangements.
