Swing Bed

‘Swing bed’ is simply a Medicare term used to designate skilled nursing care following an inpatient hospital stay. This inpatient stay can occur at Cheyenne County Hospital or another hospital.

The Cheyenne County Hospital Swing Bed program is designed to continue the circle of care provided by your team of healthcare providers. This program is available to those patients who are recovering from surgery or acute illnesses and are unable to physically take care of themselves at home. 

There will be meetings with our care team and the patient’s family to provide a smooth transition from hospital to home. Our care team consists of a provider, nurses, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, nutrition services, pharmacy, and a case manager. This team of medical professionals works together with you and your family to see that you reach the goals established for you by you and your healthcare team. Cheyenne County Hospital encourages swing bed patients to be as independent as possible and take an active part in their daily care supported by our healthcare providers 

 Once your rehabilitation has progressed, your circle of care can continue with home health services if needed.  

Swing bed care is covered by Medicare and some commercial insurance companies. If you’re a Medicare patient and have spent three consecutive midnights as an inpatient in acute care within the last 30 days, you could qualify. We will help you determine if you qualify for swing bed care.  

Many patients transition to swing bed care from acute care at Cheyenne County Hospital. However, an acute inpatient stay at ANY hospital qualifies.  

Stays are anticipated to be short-term and common examples of patients utilizing our swing bed program include:  

• Recovery following surgery 
• Generalized weakness that is interfering with the ability to be safe at home 
• Recurring falls 
• Cardiac or neurological events. 

Your physician or discharge planner/case manager can refer you to the Cheyenne County Hospital Swing Bed program. You can also call our Case Manager directly, who works with doctors or others providing your care to determine your eligibility. 

Your length of stay is flexible based on your progress. It will also be determined by your insurance coverage. For example, Medicare covers 100% up to 20 days.

Your individualized day-to-day care is attended by Nurses who provide medication, make dressing changes, or monitor your condition.   

Cheyenne County Hospital’s Rehabilitation Services staff, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or speech therapy, work with your individual needs to help you reach your maximum level of function.  

If needed, a Respiratory Therapist can help you optimize your respiratory function and breathe more easily. 

The Wound Healing Center team offers advanced wound-healing techniques for chronic or non-healing wounds. The multi-disciplinary team is made up of professionals including physician assistant, nursing staff, and technicians.  

A certified dietary manager provides nutrition education and counseling.  

The hospital has a Laboratory on-site to deliver fast and reliable information regarding your care to your physician and nurses.   

Also located within the hospital is a Pharmacy to provide quick access to medications and consultations.  

A Case Manager provides discharge planning and coordination of care. This individual will assure that you are prepared for discharge to the appropriate setting whether that be home with assistance, home without assistance, or to another facility.