Similar to a skilled nursing facility, a "swing bed" program provides care to those who are ready to leave acute care, but who are not yet well enough or strong enough to return home.

Patients who may benefit from our Swing Bed program include:

• Orthopedic and joint replacement patients needing frequent physical and/or occupational therapy
• Patients requiring wound care and/or intravenous antibiotics
• Patients with weakness due to COPD, CHF, pneumonia and other acute conditions
• Stroke patients who would benefit from intensive therapy

Benefits of a Swing Bed Program (Skilled Nursing)

Swing Bed programs are offered in smaller communities where skilled nursing facilities (SNF) are typically not readily available. The program allows local hospitals to "swing" a patient between acute care and skilled nursing. The room itself doesn't physically change, rather the care changes to better fit the needs of the patient.

This short-term program helps patients make a smooth transition between their hospital stay and returning home - all while staying close to their support system and community. Even if hospitalized elsewhere, patients can transfer to the Medicare-approved Swing Bed/Skilled Nursing program at Saint Francis Hospital Vinita should they need the additional care.

Skilled Nursing Admission Criteria

Medicare sets the admission criteria for the Swing Bed program. A patient must meet the following points to be a candidate.

• Patient must have had three consecutive days of inpatient hospitalization within the past 30 days
• Patient must have an ongoing need(s) that requires skilled care as defined by Medicare
• Patient must be covered by Medicare Part A (some private insurance plans cover Swing Bed services; your discharge nurse can help verify benefits)

Learn More About Healthcare Services Provided Through Saint Francis

The physicians, staff and volunteers of Saint Francis Health System are dedicated to the healthcare of our communities in eastern Oklahoma. To learn more about services provided through Saint Francis, please call Saint Francis HealthLink at 918-488-6688.