Swing Bed

What is Swing Bed?

Putnam General Hospital, Navicent Health Partner has a Skilled Nursing Unit referred to as Swing Bed.  This 10-bed unit provides round the clock care for patients who are in transition between an acute care status and either their home or long-term care facility.  The unit admits Medicare eligible patients and private insurance patients with prior authorization. Prior to a patient's admission to the Swing Bed Unit, a pre-admission evaluation is made of the patient to determine admission criteria and predict length of stay.  The length of stay for each patient varies but the average is seven to fourteen days.  Members of nursing staff, physicians, case management, or family members can request in-house referrals.  Outside referrals are also welcomed from area hospitals or physicians. Types of patient that are candidates for Swing Bed are:

Patients with recent joint replacements or hip pinning.
Stroke patients who do not qualify for admission to a Rehab Center but could improve their level of functioning in a swing bed status.
Patients recovering from an acute episode of a long-term illness.
Patients requiring IV antibiotics.
Patients requiring instructions and care of wounds and ulcers.

Case Management

Our case management department consists of Registered Nurse Case Managers and a dedicated support staff that works with your doctor and other clinical staff to help patients and their families make decisions about their total care while in the hospital.  We are available to assist you with a broad range of concerns such as questions about your immediate care, financial responsibilities, advance directives, and necessary equipment referrals or services you might need upon discharge.  The Case Management team also works with community resources to arrange for continued care after discharge.  Some resources include:
 
Nursing Home Placement
Personal Care Homes/Retirement Home Referrals
Private Home and Hospital Sitters/Caregivers
Swing Bed Placement
Home Health Referrals
Hospice Referrals
Durable Medical Equipment
Respiratory Equipment/Services

For more information, please contact Case Management at 706-923-2039 or 706-923-2083.