Recovering after a hospital stay doesn’t always mean you’re ready to go straight home. For many patients, the safest next step is swing bed care, also known as transitional care.
At Astera Health, our swing bed program provides skilled nursing and/or therapy services in the hospital setting, helping patients regain strength, mobility, and independence before returning home.
What is Swing Bed?
Medicare allows small rural hospitals to “swing” the use of their hospital beds to being a post-acute rehab bed. Instead of transferring to a nursing home or rehabilitation facility, patients stay at the hospital while receiving continued services in a “swing bed.”
This type of hospital-based skilled care is designed to bridge the gap between hospitalization and home recovery.
Who Benefits from a Swing Bed Stay?
Swing bed is often recommended for patients who:
- Are recovering from surgery, such as joint replacement
- Have experienced illness, infection, or injury
- Need physical, occupational, or speech therapy
- Are not yet strong enough to safely return home
- Want short-term rehabilitation close to home
The goal of swing bed is to support going home from the hospital safely, not long-term placement.
What Services Are Included in Swing Bed?
Patients receiving swing bed transitional care at Astera Health may receive:
- Skilled nursing care and medical monitoring
- Physical therapy to rebuild strength and mobility
- Occupational therapy to support daily activities
- Speech therapy when needed
- Medication management
- Personalized care planning and discharge coordination
Because swing bed takes place in the hospital, patients have immediate access to medical services if their condition changes.
The Benefits of Swing Bed Care at Astera Health
Choosing swing bed care locally offers important advantages:
- Care close to home, reducing travel for patients and families
- Familiar providers who know the community
- Private hospital rooms
- Seamless transition from hospital care to rehabilitation
- A focus on independence and recovery
For many patients in our region, swing bed care means healing in a supportive environment without leaving their community.
But Is It Covered by Insurance?
Swing bed is often covered by Medicare when eligibility requirements are met. A provider must determine medical necessity, and patients must be able to benefit from skilled care or therapy.
Our care team helps patients and families understand:
- Eligibility requirements
- Insurance coverage
- Length of stay expectations
- Discharge planning
Supporting Recovery, Step by Step
Recovery looks different for everyone. Swing bed transitional care offers a thoughtful, medically supported step between hospitalization and home, giving patients the time and care they need to heal safely.
To learn more about swing bed at Astera Health, including what to expect during a stay, visit our dedicated webpage and watch our informational video.
If you or a loved one is preparing for discharge and wondering if swing bed is an option, talk with your provider or contact Astera Health for more information.