If you or a family member are on your way to recovery, but need a little extra care right now, the Swing Bed Program at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital may be for you.

The Swing Bed Program may answer your needs when you no longer need acute care services, but may need more help before you can care for yourself at home. On the Swing Bed Program, you receive daily therapy to meet self-care goals set by you and the Swing Bed team.

F.A.Q.

• Why is it called Swing Bed?
  The Swing Bed Program allows your physician to “swing” your level of care from “acute” to “skilled” rehab while you remain in the hospital. Should you require acute care again, you can be “swung” back to acute...just a paperwork shuffle.

• Who is on the Swing Bed team?
  The Swing Bed team meets daily. Appropriate members of the team will meet as necessary with you and your family to discuss rehab goal and discharge plans.

  • You, the patient

  • Your doctor

  • Your primary nurse

  • The Swing Bed coordinator

  • Social Services

  • A dietitian

  • A physical therapist

  • An occupational therapist

  • A respiratory therapist

  • The activities director

  • Case Manager

• How is Swing Bed care different from acute care?
  When you first came to the hospital you were ill and care was directed at treating your illness. As your condition improves, you need to continue to get well. The Swing Bed Program focuses more on getting well after your illness has been treated.
  
  On Swing Bed you and the team will set rehab goals and work toward meeting those goals on a daily basis.
  
  On the Swing Bed Program you are encouraged to wear your own clothes, eat your meals in the activities room, and take part in a variety of daily activities. You receive therapy to meet your individual needs. Your physician, as part of the team, will continue to monitor your progress. A typical length of stay is 3-5 days on the Swing Bed Program.

• Who qualifies for Swing Bed?

  • You must have at least a three day stay as an acute care patient before going on the Swing Bed Program. (This could vary with diagnosis)

  • You must need ongoing monitoring and require rehabilitative therapy.

  • There are no age restrictions to the program.

  • The Swing Bed Program is routinely considered for patients who have had hip or knee surgery.

• How is Swing Bed care paid for?
  Swing Bed care is often covered by Medicare, Medicaid and by many private insurance plans. A case manager will review your coverage with you prior to your transfer to the Swing Bed Program.

• Benefits of the Swing Bed Program:
  You stay in the hospital under care of the same staff, just like during your stay in acute care.
  You have more time to recover and gain strength before leaving the hospital.
  Daily therapy is centered on self care skills and body strengthening, which will increase your independence when you leave.
  You have continued access to your doctor and the hospital’s services. Should the need arise, you can return to acute care.

Our Staff

• Swing Bed Coordinator
  Amanda Davis RN, BSN
• Nurse Manager
  Corinne Malenfant RN, BSN
• Case Manager
  Susan Dugas RN
  Tonya Colwell RN
• Activity Director
  Karen Jo Young
• Social Worker
  Linda Morin LMSW