Baxter Health Fulton County Hospital Highlights Swing Bed Unit for Transitional Patient Care

Baxter Health Fulton County Hospital is reminding the community about the availability of its Swing Bed Unit, a specialized program designed for patients who are no longer in need of acute hospital care but still require skilled nursing and rehabilitation before safely returning home.

The Swing Bed Unit is ideal for patients recovering from serious conditions such as heart surgery, stroke, joint replacement, pneumonia, and other complex medical needs that require continued therapy. This transitional care unit bridges the gap between hospital and home, offering a supportive environment where patients can recover at their own pace under the guidance of a high quality, compassionate care team.

Patients in the Swing Bed Unit receive comprehensive daily services, including IV therapy, wound care, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. In addition to skilled clinical care, the unit offers a range of amenities and benefits designed to promote recovery and comfort. These include 24-hour skilled nursing care, physician visits as needed, personalized activity planning, access to a tranquil healing garden, flexible visiting hours, dietary consultation, and education for both patients and their families. The program also emphasizes preventing hospital readmissions and maintains a low patient-to-staff ratio to ensure personalized attention.

Referrals to the Swing Bed Unit are typically made during a hospital stay. The Nurse Case Manager works closely with the attending physician and the Swing Bed Coordinator to evaluate the patient’s eligibility and verify insurance coverage. The program accepts Medicare as well as most private insurance plans. Please note that certain Medicare plans may require a ‘three-midnight’ inpatient stay in an acute care hospital within the past 30 days; however, this requirement applies only to traditional Medicare (Parts A & B). Medicare Advantage plans typically require prior authorization.

Patients are encouraged to bring personal clothing and familiar items from home, creating a more relaxed, home-like atmosphere throughout their recovery. The length of stay in the Swing Bed Unit is determined by each patient’s individual needs and guided by their physician’s recommendations.

To learn more about the Swing Bed Unit at Fulton County Hospital, contact the Swing Bed Coordinator at (870) 751-7072.