Social Services – Swing Bed

Swing bed is available to patients who have been hospitalized at Big Horn Hospital, or at other facilities outside of the Hardin area. This includes transfers from Billings and other health care facilities across Montana. We recommend that patients let the care coordinator at the acute care facility know that they would like to transfer to Big Horn Hospital for Swing Bed services at the beginning of their stay for timely and appropriate discharge planning.

· A three-day acute care hospital stay immediately prior to admittance into the Swing Bed program

· Stable medical status

· A daily skilled care need (or five days per week for Rehab), which is directly related to the acute care hospitalization

· Physician authorization

· Participation in Medicare Part A, or other qualified insurance plan

Once a patient is admitted into the Swing Bed program, eligibility is reviewed on a daily basis by the Big Horn Hospital staff. To remain in the program, the patient must be participating and making progress, in addition to the criteria listed above.

Swing  Bed provides a complete range of skilled nursing care services that include, but aren’t limited to:

· Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, and Speech Therapy

· IV medication therapy

· Wound care

Big Horn Hospital provides a therapeutic atmosphere that assists patients with self-care to enhance independent functioning. Both patient and family will receive appropriate education and  emotional and spiritual support as needed and   requested. Each patient receives an individualized plan of care that is coordinated across disciplines including their physician and all  ancillary/specialty services. Progress is reviewed and updated by the care team often to maximize health and healing. Our goal is to make the recovery process quick and pleasant. Physical Therapy is typically provided twice daily. We allow for periods of rest so that patients will gain the most benefit from their therapy sessions.

· Room and board with phone and TV

· Medication, medical supplies, laboratory, and use of appliances as furnished

· Rehabilitation services and respiratory therapy as ordered

· Wound care and IV therapy as ordered

· Nursing care 24/7 to assist and plan toward restoring as much independence as possible

· Nutrition services including meals, therapeutic diets, and Registered Dietitian services

· Activity and Social Services

· Environmental services including housekeeping and laundry

· Transportation to and from medical appointments

Patients are encouraged to dress in their own clothes and be up and active as much as possible. Meals are served in the dining room; visitors may dine with patients for a minimal charge. Group and one-on-one    activities are provided daily to provide variety, social interactions, and may be focused as part of your plan of care to reach individualized goals. It is recommended that patients bring 3 to 4 comfortable outfits well-fitting stable shoes, and personal grooming or cosmetics as desired. Clothing will be laundered daily unless family decides to launder patient’s clothes.

Medicare Skilled patients may not leave the facility unless they are going to a scheduled doctor appointment or a funeral.

Swing Bed care is not meant to be a permanent care solution. Hospital policies limit the amount of time that can be spent on-location in a Swing Bed. In general, most stays only last a few weeks. Most  hospitals don’t allow stays that go beyond 40 days. If more long-term care is needed, the physician will discuss other options that may include in-home care or a transfer to a long-term care facility.