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Swing Bed

Skilled Care For When You Aren't Quite Ready To Go Home After Surgery Or An Illness.

St. Vincent Health Swing Bed offers the same services as a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), except in a small community hospital where you receive extremely personalized care & attention. All rooms at St. Vincent Health are spacious and private and have a view of the two highest mountains in Colorado – Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive.

Length of stays range from a few days to a few weeks, with the ultimate goal to regain strength and independence to return home.

Most other SNF/Swing facilities do not compare to the rehab experience at St. Vincent Health. 

If you’re evaluating Swing Bed facilities, consider how St. Vincent Health rises above the rest.  

  •  Physicians visit daily; Provider available in-house 24/7
  •  24/7 nursing care with RN – unparalleled nurse-to-patient ratios
  • Physical, Occupational, and, Speech Therapy offered. Therapists treat the patient on all visits with sessions 5 days/week
  • Weekly care conferences with the physician, therapists, case management, and, nursing that engage the patient and their support network
  • Lab, imaging, wound care, and, pharmacy services are all on-site and readily available. SVH Swing Bed is hospital -based care!
  • Meals are catered by a local restaurant with a dietitian's approval.
  • Private and spacious with fantastic views Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive
  • No set visiting hours; the support network is encouraged to be involved, stay the night in the room, and visit when it is convenient for them and the patient
  • Pets are allowed to visit their loved ones within very reasonable parameters
A hospital room with a bed, chairs, and a view out the window.
St. VIncent Health with large windows, surrounded by trees under a clear sky, labeled "St. Vincent Health."
Mountain range at sunset with orange light on peaks and cloudy sky.
Common Situations Where A Stay In A Swing Bed May Be Appropriate: 
  • You had a knee, hip, or shoulder replacement or another kind of orthopedic surgery
  • You require frequent IV infusions
  • You require frequent dressing changes or wound vac therapy
  • You had an acute episode of CHF, COPD, UTI, pneumonia, or other medical condition
How Do I Pay For Swing Bed? 
  • Medicare: Swing bed is a Part A Medicare benefit. Three nights in inpatient status in a hospital is required before transfer to Swing bed status. However, no prior authorization is needed.
  • Medicare Advantage: Swing bed is a Part A Medicare benefit. With an Advantage plan, prior authorization will be required but 3 inpatient midnights often are not.
  • Medicaid: St. Vincent Health does not accept Medicaid for Swing Bed.
  • Private insurances: Many private insurances will cover Swing Bed as part of Skilled Nursing Facility coverage, but may require prior authorization.
  • Private pay: contact our Case Manager for more information.
Services Offered As Part Of An Individualized Care Plan: 
  • Physical and Occupational Therapy
  • Speech Therapy
  • Recreational Therapy
  • IV therapy for antibiotics, pain medications, and more
  • Wound Care
  • Registered Dietician assessment
  • In-house pharmacy
  • In-house radiology and laboratory
  • Social and discharge planning
  • 24/7 on-site MD or Physician Assistant
  • 24/7 care by experienced Registered Nurses. It is not unusual to have a nurse to patient ratio of 1:1 or 1:2.
  • Weekly Care Meetings that engage you and your support network, to help you reach your goals