Swing Bed Program
Wetzel County Hospital is committed to providing high quality health care to those in our county and surrounding communities. One such service is our “Swing Bed Program”. This is a specialized program offering skilled nursing and therapy services in the hospital setting as an alterative to receiving these same services at home or in a long-term nursing facility.
The “Swing Bed Program” at Wetzel County Hospital is designed for those individuals requiring ongoing medically supervised care after hospital discharge. The program is individually tailored to meet one’s unique needs. This may require a licensed nurse to provide intravenous (IV) therapy, wound care, specialized (enteral) feedings, etc. This may also require licensed therapists to provide rehabilitation services (physical, occupational and speech therapies). Sometimes this may require a licensed respiratory technician for ongoing respiratory care, pulmonary toileting, tracheostomy care, etc.
Patients with serious injuries and severe illnesses are not always ready to return home immediately after a hospitalization. At Wetzel County Hospital, we understand how this can have a major impact on you and your family’s lives. We offer a comfortable, caring and therapeutic environment within the safety of a hospital with onsite physicians, diagnostic and therapeutics to optimize recovery.
Common conditions treated in the swing bed program include:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Congestive heart failure
- Extended IV therapy
- Fractures
- Orthopedic surgeries (such as hip or knee replacements)
- Pneumonia
- Post-surgical procedures
- Stroke and other neurological disorders
Rehabilitation swing bed services are covered by Medicare and most insurance companies.
Click here to download our Swing Bed Program brochure
TRANSITION FROM RECOVERY TO HOME
LIFE IN THE SWING BED PROGRAM
Patient comfort is our top priority. Patients are assigned a room on the hospital’s acute care floor. Most rooms are private and visitors may come visit patients throughout their stay. An individual bathroom is offered for each patient room with accessible private showers on the unit. 32” flat screen cable TV, telephone, and free internet access are available to keep patients connected.
Once in the Swing Bed Program, patients are encouraged to start taking a more active role in their lives and participating in therapy. Hospital staff are always nearby and available to help with any tasks a patient may be struggling with. We also have many activities and events so patients can entertain themselves while staying in the Swing Bed Program. Patients are given a list of available activities, such as playing cards, going outside to relax in the gazebo, or visiting with their pets. If there are activities or hobbies that the patient enjoys, we encourage you to bring them in. Visits from friends and family are also encouraged. Free parking is available for all visitors and guests.
YOUR STEP BETWEEN HOSPITAL AND HOME
MEDICAL OVERSIGHT
Physicians will oversee your care in the Swing Bed Program. You will be seen by the physician on the day of admission and as needed throughout your stay. Our hospitalists provide 24/7 availability during your stay.
SKILLED NURSING CARE
Our teams of RNs, LPNs, and Nursing Assistants are on-site around the clock to care for you or your loved one. While the Swing Bed Program might be unfamiliar to you, our experienced team has provided this service for many years and will provide compassionate, high quality care to all patients served in the Swing Bed Program by completing ongoing assessments and treatment to restore patients to optimal health.
INTRAVENOUS (IV) THERAPY
Licensed nurses administer IV infusions of fluid or medications like antibiotics, as ordered by your doctor.
DRESSING CHANGES AND COMPLEX WOUND CARE MANAGEMENT
Our skilled nurses can help with wound management, wound vacs and sterile dressing changes. They can also provide new ostomy or stoma care and education. Our nurses can care for complex wound needs.
NUTRITION
Meals are served in the same manner as acute care hospital inpatients to monitor the intake of meals, supplements and intravenous nutrition to assist in the patient’s recovery. The Dietary Department will work with the patient and their doctor to provide foods they need and enjoy. Our Certified Dietary Manager will make sure that your meals meet your nutritional needs appropriate for your medical condition.
MEDICATION EVALUATIONS
Our on-site pharmacy provides daily coverage for medication administration needs and assessment for medication safety. The Pharmacy team works closely with the rest of the Swing Bed Program team to ensure the medication list is up-to-date with no drug-to-drug interactions.
IMAGING AND LABORATORY SERVICES ON-SITE
Often times, patients recently discharged from an acute hospital visit will need laboratory or radiology procedures to monitor their condition. We offer both an on-site lab and radiology with availability at all times to check on your healing progress, including phlebotomy, X-rays, and CT Scans.
TRANSITIONAL DISCHARGE PLANNING AND LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER
Our team will tailor your discharge plan to meet your needs and will set up home health services, outpatient therapy or other services if needed. Our licensed social worker can connect you to applicable services to meet your needs after your stay in the Swing Bed Program.
PHYSICAL THERAPY, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, SPEECH THERAPY & RESPIRATORY THERAPY
Patients work with skilled therapists who create personalized recovery programs based on each patient’s individual needs. Staff members help patients create short-term goals that make it easier for them to recognize the progress they make during recovery.
- Physical Therapy helps restore strength, endurance, and mobility. We recommend bringing your own comfortable clothing and shoes that fit well and have good traction. We also offer on-site laundry service.
- Occupational Therapy promotes independence by improving patients’ ability to carry out activities of daily living and to restore to prior level of functioning. We even offer a fully functional on-site kitchen in our activity room. We provide hygiene products, but you may bring additional personal care items for your convenience and comfort.
- Speech Therapy will help patients regain or improve speech and communication or to manage swallowing problems.
- Respiratory Therapy is there to help manage symptoms of breathing problems, as needed.