The Swing Bed Program at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is a service in which Prairie Lakes Hospital provides nursing care for patients on a 24-hour basis who require medically supervised nursing care on a continuous basis, but do not require the level of intensive care provided in an acute care hospital. Examples of patients who require this level of care include those in need of IV therapy or IV medications, major sterile dressing changes, regulation of insulin (adjusting doses), and several other selected procedures.
All people including the elderly, the terminally ill, the invalid, and those recuperating from an illness may take part in the Swing Bed Program regardless of denomination, race, color, creed, or national origin.
The Swing Bed Program is a federally approved program for small rural hospitals. It is designed to be short term with discharge options being explored as an ongoing process by your family doctor and the staff of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. Prairie Lakes Hospital is allowed a predetermined number of hospital acute care beds for Swing Beds with the understanding that these beds revert to acute care beds if the need arises.
Patients choosing to stay in the Swing Bed Program will wear their own clothes, unless medically inappropriate, and may go out of the hospital for leaves of absence if approved by the physician. The activities coordinator will meet with the patient and his/her family to identify the person's interests and help provide diversional activities. Assistance will be provided to help patients reach a higher level of wellness through physical therapy, respiratory therapy, and restorative nursing, as indicated by the individual medical needs. Doctor visits are less frequent, but the nurse can request a doctor visit or call if the patient's needs indicate this. The patient, when discharged, will receive home care instructions as well as any needed arrangements with community agencies.
There is a base rate per day for skilled care. The services provided for in the basic rate shall include, but are not limited to, room, board, linens, bedding, nursing care, and activities. The rate is subject to change.
The basic rate will not include the following services:
Physician visits
Nursing supplies
Diagnostic tests
X-rays
Dental services
Laboratory tests
Medications
Personal laundry
Therapeutic services including physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and respiratory therapy
The Swing Bed Program at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is a service in which Prairie Lakes Hospital provides nursing care for patients on a 24-hour basis who require medically supervised nursing care on a continuous basis, but do not require the level of intensive care provided in an acute care hospital. Examples of patients who require this level of care include those in need of IV therapy or IV medications, major sterile dressing changes, regulation of insulin (adjusting doses), and several other selected procedures.
