Recovering from surgery, illness, or injury can be challenging, especially when you’re not quite ready to return home but no longer need intensive hospital care. LaSalle General Hospital in Jena, Louisiana, offers a solution through its swing bed program—a Medicare-approved service that bridges the gap between hospital and home, providing patients with personalized rehabilitation and skilled nursing care close to their loved ones.
What Is a Swing Bed Program?
Despite its name, a “Swing Bed” doesn’t involve any swinging furniture. Instead, it’s a term developed by Medicare in the 1970s to describe a hospital bed that can transition from acute care to skilled nursing care without the patient having to move to a different facility. This concept was particularly beneficial for rural hospitals, allowing them to utilize existing beds for patients who still needed care but didn’t require the full resources of acute hospital services.
At LaSalle General Hospital, the swing bed program enables patients to continue their recovery in a familiar environment, receiving the necessary care to regain independence before returning home.
Who Qualifies for the Swing Bed Program?
To be eligible for the swing bed program under Medicare, patients must meet the following criteria:
- Have had a consecutive three-day acute hospital stay within the past 30 days.
- Require skilled nursing or rehabilitation services that can only be provided in a skilled nursing facility.
Examples of skilled care include:
- Intravenous (IV) therapy
- Sterile dressing changes
- Wound care
- Physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapy
- And More!
The goal is to help patients return to their homes independently or with the assistance of community resources.
Benefits of the Swing Bed Program at LaSalle General Hospital
- Personalized Rehabilitation Plans
Each patient receives a tailored care plan designed to meet their specific needs, ensuring a focused and effective recovery process. - Skilled Nursing Support
Patients have access to 24/7 care from experienced healthcare professionals, providing peace of mind and continuous support during recovery. - Comprehensive Therapy Services
The program offers a range of therapies, including physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapy, all aimed at helping patients regain strength and independence. - Comfortable, Home-Like Environment
Recovering close to home allows patients to stay near family and friends, which can be crucial for emotional well-being and motivation during the healing process.
Who Can Benefit from Swing Bed Care?
The swing bed program is ideal for patients who:
- Are recovering from surgeries such as hip or knee replacements or cardiac procedures
- Need extended IV therapy or specialized wound care
- Require additional time to regain mobility and strength before safely returning home
Why Choose LaSalle General Hospital?
LaSalle General Hospital is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. By offering the swing bed program, the hospital ensures a seamless transition from acute care to rehabilitation, minimizing the stress and inconvenience of transferring to distant facilities.
The admission process is straightforward: once a physician determines that skilled care is needed, a referral is made to the Swing Bed Coordinator, who will review the patient’s information, verify Medicare days, and arrange admission into the program.
Learn More and Check Eligibility
Proper recovery is essential before returning home. If you or a loved one is approaching discharge from the hospital but still requires additional care, consider the swing bed program at LaSalle General Hospital. To learn more or to check eligibility, call (318) 992-9200.
Recover close to home with the support and care you need to regain your independence.