Swing Bed Services
Swing Bed
Swing beds are available for qualifying patients who would benefit from continued skilled care following a hospital stay or surgery with more help than they can receive at home, but no longer require hospital-level services.
The goal is always to have patients safely return to their home at or close to the level of independence they had before the hospital stay or surgery. St. Croix Health’s swing beds provide skilled nursing services and recommended therapies without the patient needing a nursing home stay or risking setbacks in recovery from being discharged home too soon.
St. Croix Health’s Swing Bed Services
Swing bed services are recommended for patients recovering from many different conditions, including:
• Recent medical procedures and surgeries
• Joint replacements
• Strokes
• Illnesses
• IV treatments
• Ongoing weakness and/or deconditioning
• Respiratory concerns like COPD or chronic lung disease
Qualifications
Patients typically need to meet all of the following requirements to be
eligible for a swing bed stay:
1. Three consecutive days of inpatient hospital care within 30 days before
swing bed admission.
2. A documented skilled care need (examples: Physical Therapy, Occupational
Therapy, Speech Therapy, IV Therapy, Wound Care) that can only be provided
in a hospital-based, skilled bed setting.
3. Medicare Part A or equivalent insurance coverage with available benefit days.
4. The services needed must address the health issue or surgical event
that led to the qualifying, acute
hospital stay.
5. A stable clinical status, which means no longer having acute hospital
care needs while still needing skilled care before safely transitioning home.
Amenities
• Private Rooms
• Television and Internet
• Spiritual Services
• On-site Therapy Staff
What Our Swing Bed Services Include
The Care They Need
Our staffing levels allow each nurse to have a minimal amount of patients to care for during each shift. This provides each patient with the attention and care they need.
Medication Experts
With St. Croix Valley Pharmacists on site, patient medications will be reviewed for safety and accuracy upon admission. The pharmacists will continue to monitor each patient’s medications and any changes throughout their stay, and ensure the patients have what they need upon discharge.
Multiple Therapies
We are able to provide access to multiple therapies to help patients successfully
discharge home. Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapists are available
seven (7) days a week to provide the specialized care each patient needs
to increase their strength, stamina, and independence. We also have access
to Respiratory therapists who are available to manage and maintain any
patients who have respiratory needs, including those with chronic lung disease.
Our therapists are committed to providing our patients with the tools that
they need to be successful at home after their discharge. They will discuss
any concerns they have with the patient about areas of their home that
may need to be changed or adjusted for a safe and easy transition.
Care Team
The care team works together to ensure patients receive the care they need
and deserve. This focus results in shorter stays and increased home transition
successes. The care, treatment, and needs are personalized to each patient.
Our care team includes:
Hospitalists: Doctors who serve as an attending physician and are available 24/7 to
manage medical needs.
Nursing Services: Registered nurses and certified nursing assistants who ensure medical
needs are addressed during the day and night.
Care Management: This team will work with each patient and their family to address changes,
progress, and concerns. They are also available to assist with advanced
directives and coordinating necessary services to help patients safely
discharge home.
Physical Therapy: PT helps the patient build strength, reduce fall risk, increase balance,
and improve mobility.
Occupational Therapy: OT empowers patients to resume their normal routines by gaining confidence
in everyday activities like bathing, dressing, and grooming.
Speech Therapy: ST ensures patients are able to eat safely and speak clearly, which are
necessary for nutrition, social interaction, and improved quality of life.
They will also assist with improved communication and memory.
Dietician: Adequate nutrition is important to strengthen a patient’s immune
system and improve outcomes. Patients will be provided with a personalized
meal plan to meet diet needs and address any restrictions.
Spiritual Care: Healing involves more than healing the body. Spiritual care is available
to provide emotional and spiritual support to help with overall healing.
