Swing Bed Program

Swing bed, also referred to as skilled care, is a Medicare program that provides extended care to those needing additional time to rebuild their strength following an acute illness or surgery. Although it is a Medicare program, many private insurance companies also cover this type of care. The idea of the patient swinging or transitioning from acute care into the skilled care program is how it got its name. The Swing Bed Program at TMC Bonham Hospital offers around-the-clock care for patients transitioning between a hospital stay and discharge to home. To be eligible, patients must need skilled nursing or rehabilitative services performed by or under the supervision of a professional or technical person on a daily basis.

Some examples of skilled services include:

• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy
• Care of wounds and ulcers
• Terminal care for patients needing pain control or skilled supportive care
• IV therapies (short and long term)
• Post-surgical care
• Nutritional stabilization (dietitian provides varying menu)

Patients in our Swing Bed Program stay on the Medical/Surgical Floor in private rooms. The same staff that cared for them during the acute phases of their illness or recovery will continue caring for them as a swing bed patient. Even if the patient had surgery or was hospitalized elsewhere, they can transfer from that facility to TMC Bonham to receive their swing bed care. TMC Bonham’s Swing Bed Program provides the care needed close to home in preparation to return home. Patients in the program continue to be seen by their physician who works with the healthcare team to determine their needs. Physicians visit patients at least once a week, if not multiple times in a week. Patients are allowed to leave the facility with a physician’s order and must return the same day.