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Swing Beds

If you need more support after a hospital stay, a swing bed program can help bridge the gap between the hospital and home.

What is a swing bed?

Gen-Content-I80_swing-bed.jpgA swing bed, also called transitional care, is a hospital bed that can be used for different levels of care. As your condition improves, the bed transitions from acute hospital care to skilled nursing care without requiring you to move to another facility.

Compared to a skilled nursing facility, swing beds keep you in a hospital with 24/7 access to doctors and nurses. While home health care provides support in your home, swing beds offer more hands-on medical care each day. If your needs change, your swing bed care team can also help coordinate services such as a transitional care hospital or hospice, ensuring your care continues with comfort, dignity and compassion.

 

Benefits of a Swing Bed Program at OSF HealthCare

In a swing bed hospital, you receive short-term skilled services such as nursing care, therapy or wound care. This extra time helps you regain strength, mobility and confidence before going home. Other benefits include:

  • Closer to home: Recover near family, friends and familiar surroundings, which supports both physical and emotional healing.
  • Stay in the same room: In many cases, you can remain in the same hospital room, reducing stress and disruption during recovery.
  • 24/7 access to physicians and nurses: Around-the-clock hospital-based care means help is always available when you need it. 
  • Personalized care plans: Your care is tailored to your condition, goals and progress, with close coordination among your care team.
  • Smooth transition home: Swing beds are designed to give you support and time to bridge the gap between hospital and home, helping you return home stronger and more confident. 

Swing Bed Services

OSF HealthCare swing bed hospitals offer skilled services to support your recovery and independence, including but not limited to:

  • Rehabilitation services: Physical and occupational therapy focused on strength, balance and daily activities.
  • Skilled nursing care: Medication management, monitoring and specialized treatments.
  • IV therapy and wound care: Hospital-level services that support healing after injury, trauma or surgery.
  • Nutritional counseling: Support to help your body recover and regain energy through smart meal planning.
  • Care management and discharge planning: Help planning next steps, equipment needs and follow-up care.
     
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Eligibility for a Swing Bed

Your provider will determine your eligibility for a swing bed program. You cannot self-refer to a swing bed. If you’re interested in a swing bed program, talk to your provider. 

Your doctor and care team will assess whether you no longer need acute hospital care but still require skilled nursing or rehabilitation services before safely returning home. If appropriate, they will register you for the swing bed program and coordinate your transition.

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After Your Stay at a Swing Bed Hospital

When you’re ready to leave the swing bed program, your care team helps make the transition smooth and safe.

Depending on your needs, this may include:

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