Short-term rehab and skilled nursing close to home
The Swing Bed Program at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital in Murphy, NC, provides short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care for patients recovering from surgery, illness, or injury, so they can regain strength close to home before returning home safely.
Referrals & More Info:
828-835-7518
What is a hospital swing bed program?
A Swing Bed Program lets patients continue their recovery in the same hospital after their acute illness or surgery has been treated. Instead of transferring to a separate rehab center or nursing home, patients stay with us in dedicated rooms while they rebuild strength and independence.
This is also an opportunity for patients who have been hospitalized in a different city to transfer closer to home while recovering from surgery, illness, or injury, so they can regain strength near family and loved ones.
Many people need extra time and support after a hospital stay before they are ready to go home. Our program bridges that gap with daily therapy, nursing care and close medical oversight.
What care is included?
- The Erlanger Swing Bed Program provides dedicated rooms in Western Carolina Hospital for patients who have graduated from in-patient acute care to skilled nursing facility care—an intermediate level of care—before they are released
- Regular Provider rounding and 24-hour access
- Management of existing medical problems and monitoring diagnostics as needed
- Availability of subspecialties as needed:
- cardiology, podiatry, surgery, orthopaedics, and urology
Contact the Swing Bed Program
Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital – Case Management Team 3990 E. US Hwy 64 Alt, Murphy, NC 28906
As a critical access hospital, Erlanger serves families across Western North Carolina, North Georgia, and East Tennessee, including Cherokee, Clay, and Graham counties and local Murphy, Hayesville, Andrews, Franklin, Blairsville, Blue Ridge, and Copperhill communities.
Who qualifies for hospital swing bed care?
The program is ideal for patients who require short-term/sub-acute rehab:
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, IV medication therapy, complex wound care, new feeding tube management, respiratory therapy, and/or other skilled services.
Eligibility/length of stay is determined based on prognosis, treatment plan, and insurance approval.
Requirements include:
- Stable medical status
- The need for daily skilled care or five days/week for physical and/or occupational therapy, directly related to acute care hospitalization
- Physician authorization
- Participation in Medicare, Medicaid, and other qualified insurance plans
Common reasons patients choose swing bed care
Patients often join our program while recovering from:
- Surgery
- Illness
- Injury
Does insurance cover Swing Bed care?
Medicare, Medicaid, and many other insurance plans cover swing bed care when eligibility requirements are met. Our case managers will review your coverage with you before you begin.
How long is a hospital swing bed stay?
The length of stay depends on the patient’s needs, care, and overall well-being. Typically, this is 10-14 days but can extend up to 100 days.
To remain in the program, the patient must actively participate in therapy and make progress towards goals, in addition to requiring the criteria listed above.
What to expect as a swing bed patient
Your Recovery Goals
- Improve your strength and mobility
- Increase independence with daily activities
- Prepare for a safe return home
- Learn strategies to manage your health needs
How You Can Help Your Recovery
- Actively participate in therapy
- Ask questions when you need help
- Practice exercises recommended by your therapists
- Communicate any pain or concerns to staff
- Daily movement similar to home activities
Erlanger Swing Bed Program
A Typical Day in the Swing Bed Program
Each day is designed to build the strength and habits you will need at home. To refer a patient, please contact the Case Management Team.
Morning
Breakfast at bedside chair, followed by:
- Morning medications, vitals, and daily hygiene
- Morning therapy block including physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), or speech-language pathology (SLP) as needed
Afternoon
Lunch at bedside chair, followed by:
- Nursing care
- Afternoon therapy block: Therapeutic recreation, independent mobility practice, nursing education, socialization, and rest.
- Additional PT or OT as needed and available
Evening
Dinner at bedside chair, followed by:
- Leisure activities
- Family visits
- Light mobility exercises
- Evening bedtime routine
Erlanger Swing Bed Program
What to Bring for Your Swing Bed Stay
You will be up, dressed, and moving every day, so pack as if you are getting ready for home.
Clothing
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
- Pajamas and a robe
- Non-skid athletic shoes (backless shoes are not allowed for safety)
Personal Care
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and denture care supplies
- Shampoo, conditioner and hairbrush
- Deodorant and soap
- Shaving supplies (an electric razor is often preferred)
- Hearing aids, eyeglasses and dentures
Comforts from Home
- Family photos, a clock or calendar, a favorite blanket or pillowcase
- A book, puzzles or card games
Swing Bed Program FAQs
No. Swing bed care is short-term rehab inside the hospital, with a goal of helping you return home. Most stays last 10 to 14 days, and you remain under the care of hospital providers, nurses, and therapists.
Patients may be referred from other hospitals in the region and Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital. Your physician or hospital case manager can contact our team to start a referral.
Yes. Family visits are encouraged, and evenings are a great time to visit. Family members are also welcome to join education sessions to help prepare for the return home. View our Visitor Information page.
Your care team will help plan a safe discharge, including any home health services, medical equipment or follow-up appointments you may need.
Call our Case Management Team at 828-835-7518. They can review your situation and insurance and answer your questions.
For physicians and case managers: how to refer a patient
To refer a patient to the Swing Bed Program, contact our Case Management Team. We will review clinical information, prognosis, treatment plan, and insurance to confirm eligibility.
Ideal candidates are medically stable and need daily skilled nursing or therapy at least five days a week, directly related to an acute hospitalization. Skilled services include Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech-Language Therapy, IV medication Therapy, Complex Wound Care, new feeding tube management, and/or Respiratory Therapy.
Contact the Swing Bed Program
Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital – Case Management Team 3990 E. US Hwy 64 Alt, Murphy, NC 28906
As a critical access hospital, Erlanger serves families across Western North Carolina, North Georgia, and East Tennessee, including Cherokee, Clay, and Graham counties and local Murphy, Hayesville, Andrews, Franklin, Blairsville, Blue Ridge, and Copperhill communities.