Swing Bed / Post-Hospitalization Recovery
Extended care in a hospital setting to support recovery before returning home.
Support for a Smoother Transition Home
Swing Bed sounds like a funny name for an important healthcare service especially given its critical function for those who live in rural communities. So what is a Swing Bed program? It’s designed for patients who are not ready to go home after a hospital stay, allowing a hospital to utilize – or swing – acute inpatient beds for transitional care. Also called post-hospitalization recovery, this program allows patients to continue receiving skilled nursing or rehabilitation services in a hospital environment as they recover and prepare for the transition back home.
The results mean less risk for re-hospitalization for a smoother transition home from the hospital. In Dimmitt, it means patients who receive complex care in other areas like Amarillo or Lubbock can recover here for added convenience to loved ones and caretakers.
Services Swing Bed May Provide
IV Therapy
Sterile Dressing Changes
Skin and Wound Care
Palliative Care
End-of-Life Care
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
What to Expect During Swing Bed Care
1. Evaluation for skilled care
2. Admission and care coordination
3. Ongoing recovery and rehabilitation support
Skilled Care, Close to Home
When patients need additional recovery time after an acute hospital stay, they can rely on our highly skilled team of providers. Swing bed provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation services that support a safer, smoother transition home. If a patient’s condition changes and acute care is needed again, care can be adjusted without changing facilities.
Schedule an Appointment
Call our swing bed department to learn more.
Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
Swing bed care is a hospital-based service that provides short-term skilled care and recovery support after a hospital stay, before a patient is ready to return home safely.
Swing bed care may be appropriate for patients who no longer need acute hospital treatment but still need additional medical care, rehabilitation, or recovery support.
Patients recovering from surgery, illness, injury, weakness, or a recent hospitalization may benefit from swing bed care when they need extra time and support before going home.
Swing bed care focuses on recovery, rehabilitation, and continued skilled nursing support rather than intensive acute care treatment.
Services may include skilled nursing care, medication management, rehabilitation support, assistance with daily activities, care coordination, and discharge planning.
Yes. Depending on the patient’s needs, therapy may be part of the recovery plan to help rebuild strength, mobility, and independence.
Yes. Swing bed services allow many patients to continue recovering locally instead of traveling farther away for post-hospital care.
Recovering close to home can make it easier for patients to stay connected to their community, loved ones, and local care team during the healing process.
The length of stay depends on the patient’s condition, recovery goals, and progress. The care team monitors each patient and adjusts the plan as needed.
Yes. Each patient receives an individualized recovery plan based on their medical needs, functional goals, and discharge readiness.
Patients are cared for by a team that may include physicians, nurses, therapists, case managers, and other healthcare professionals involved in recovery planning.
The goal is to help patients recover safely, regain strength and function, and prepare for a successful return home or transition to the next level of care.
A provider or hospital care team can help determine whether swing bed care is an appropriate next step after hospitalization.
Before discharge, the care team reviews medications, follow-up care, recovery instructions, and any additional services or equipment needed at home.
To learn more about swing bed availability, eligibility, and post-hospital recovery support, contact Katie Bagwell, Utilization Review/Swing Bed Coordinator, at 806-647-8718 or katie.bagwell@cchdonline.com.