Introduction
Whether the effect of an illness or injury is mild or severe, a well-coordinated rehabilitation and nursing program offers the best chance for recovery. The Skilled Care/Swing Bed Program at Regional Health Services of Howard County (RHSHC) offers a comprehensive range of services.
Professional Team
The RHSHC Skilled Care/Swing Bed Program uses a highly effective, knowledgeable, and caring interdisciplinary team to evaluate and treat the individual needs of the patient. The rehabilitation team includes:
- Physicians
- Registered Nurses
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Pathologist
- Activity Coordinator
- Respiratory Therapist
- Social Worker
- Dietitian
Patient Profile And Criteria for Admission
Services available at the RHSHC Skilled Care/Swing Bed Program are specifically designed to meet needs resulting from the following injuries or illnesses:
- Amputation
- Brain injury
- Following orthopedic surgery/orthopedic injury (hip fracture, knee/hip replacement)
- IV antibiotic or other IV drug therapy
- Multiple traumas
- Neurological disorder
- New ostomy cares needing patient teaching
- Patients who are acutely deconditioned after respiratory failure, cardiac failure or cancer
- Polyarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Spinal cord injury
- Stroke
- Wound care
- Other skilled nursing needs
The Skilled Care/Swing Bed needs of each patient are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Referral Process
Patients may be admitted to the RHSHC Skilled Care/Swing Bed Program from any other acute hospital or after being evaluated in our acute care hospital. When patients are referred to us, they are considered by their physician to be medically stable and physically able to be a comprehensive, personalized program to meet the individual needs of each patient.
Working Together
Education: Helps patients return to a productive lifestyle, protect themselves from re-injury, and make performing routine activities a little easier.
Family Needs: Family members are also educated on their loved one’s condition and how to assist him/her, as well as how to access available community resources, services, and support groups.
Conferences: Weekly interdisciplinary Skilled Care/Swing Bed conferences are held to discuss goals and progress. The conference also helps identify concerns or needs.
Discharge: Prior to discharge, the interdisciplinary team will meet with the patient and family to make sure that the necessary support system is in place once the patient leaves and to problem-solve any potential issues.
Follow-Up: Phone calls are placed to the patient after discharge to ensure his/her continued progress and to address any remaining needs.
Goal: The goal of the RHSHC Skilled Care/Swing Bed Program is to provide comprehensive and effective skilled services to a diverse and complex patient population.
Aim: Our aim is to help the patient achieve their highest level of independence.
Purpose: Our purpose is to assist patients and their families with the transition from an acute hospital setting to home.
Rehabilitation and Treatment
An individualized treatment plan is developed based on the physical, social, and emotional findings of the evaluation and the patient’s personal goals. Treatment may focus on ambulation, muscle strengthening, and coordination, use of adaptive equipment, independent living skills, cognitive and communication skills, and bowel/bladder management.
Contact Jeannie Freidhof, RN, Skilled Care Coordinator at 563-547-6366 for more information on the Skilled Care/Swing Bed Program at Regional Health Services of Howard County.
Because of our belief in the dignity and value of each person, Regional Health Services of Howard County affirms that each patient will receive accessible, respectful, skillful, and compassionate care without discrimination as to race, color, creed, sex, beliefs, national origin, age, disability, diagnosis, or ability to pay.
Skilled Care/Swing Bed Program
235 8th Avenue West
Cresco, IA 52136
Phone: 563-547-2101
Fax: 563-547-3448