Swing Bed

If you've been hospitalized and need to regain your strength and independence before going home, Spooner Health's swing bed program is here to help. The swing bed program offers care close to home with easy access to skilled nursing, therapy, wound care, IV medication services, and more. Offering the balance between independence and skilled care to help you reach your goals, Spooner Health's team is here to offer the encouragement and support you need.

At Spooner Health, we use a team-oriented approach to care. This team will conduct regular meetings with you, your family, or your designated caregiver to discuss recovery progress, goals, and discharge planning. The team may include:

  • Hospitalist: Provider available 24/7 focused on the complete coordination of care.
  • Skilled Nursing Care: Compassionate staff providing assistance with daily care, medication management, and education.
  • Social Services: Provides resources for in-home needs and helps to ensure a smooth transition home.
  • Physical Therapy: Assists with regaining mobility and strength.
  • Occupational Therapy: Help with activities of daily living to promote independence.
  • Speech Therapy: Work to improve communication skills, memory, and swallowing.
  • Dietician & Culinary Services: Offers custom menu options for special dietary needs and provides education when needed.
  • Therapeutic Activity Staff: Engages in activities and provides socialization based on the patients' preference.
  • RN Case Manager: Works with providers and insurance.
  • Wound Care: Specializes in wound care to promote healing.
  • Pharmacy & Infusion: Coordinates all medication needs while admitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do people need swing bed?
Patients dealing with a wide range of healthcare concerns can benefit from swing bed care, including those who need:

  • Rehab after surgery
  • Rehab after a stroke or accident
  • Wound Care
  • Long-term IV antibiotics
  • Skilled care due to a recent hospitalization

Does insurance cover Swing Bed?
Spooner Health's swing bed program is Medicare approved. Many private insurance companies will also pay for swing bed, although pre-certification is often required. Self-pay is also an option. The length of swing bed stay is determined by each patient's condition.

How would someone learn more about the Swing Bed program?
We welcome patients, family members, and designated caregivers to tour our facility. To set up a private tour, please call (715) 939-1684. Our swing bed coordinator is typically available Monday-Friday to answer any questions about the swing bed program or to arrange a tour.

If you require assistance outside of normal business hours, please call the main number to be directed to the house supervisor on duty, (715) 635-2111.

What should someone expect as a swing bed patient?

  • Even though swing bed is located in the hospital, patients are encouraged to perform their own daily care to maintain independence and dress in their own clothes as their condition permits.
  • Our spacious, private patient rooms allow our patients to have their own space to recover.
  • Meals are served in patient rooms, the cafe, or the inpatient lounge.
  • Activities are provided based on patient preference.
  • The inpatient lounge provides a quiet place for reflection or visiting. A computer allows patients and family members access to the internet.

What should swing bed patients bring?

  • Personal care items such as toiletries, hearing aids, and glasses.
  • One week supply of clothing.
  • Books, handwork, or other favorite activities.
  • Equipment that is used regularly such as walker or breathing machine (CPAP or BIPAP).
  • Low-heeled, non-slip, comfortable walking shoes.

A telephone, Wi-Fi internet, cable TV, and nutritious meals and snacks are provided.

How do I arrange for swing bed admission?

Admission requires:

  • Stable medical status.
  • Physician authorization and acceptance by Swing Bed Team.
  • At least a three (3) day acute care hospital stay.
  • Admission within thirty (30) days of discharge from the hospital for the same condition as was being treated during the hospital stay.

Patients can be admitted into Spooner Health's swing bed program regardless of where they received their inpatient care. Patients are required to participate in daily skilled care, nursing and/or rehabilitation (physical, occupational and/or speech therapy) and must show progress towards their goals.

To start the process, talk to your provider. Admission is coordinated from their team directly to our Swing Bed admission team.