Outings for Swing Bed patients

[sams 0]

I am a new A/D for the Swing Bed Program at a hospital, and I was needing any advise on outings, I was told that the patients couldn't go on outings and if they did they would have to sign out of the hospital, is this true, I hope not because I feel as if they should have that right. If there is another A/D in the Swing Bed program, please let me know your procedure on outings, or anyone.

 

Thank You,

Sam

[Jodiojodi 0]

I really have had no experience working in a swing bed unit but we do have Medicare A residents. Often they are too ill for outings or are involved in therapies. They can't miss their therapy or the amount of money we recieve for their care will be much less. I don't know anything about your set up but if they have their meals in their rooms, how about an outing to the cafeteria for a change of scenery? Do you have a garden or an nice outdoor area? How about planning a picnic lunch for them in this area. Or you can take them out for a walk around your grounds, many hospitals have nice landscaped areas. Hope this helps.

[LisaRee 0]

I can tell you how things are at my facility...We have a skilled unit and those patients are not allowed to go out unless they have a Dr's order. It was always explained to me that because of Medicare paying for their stay that they assume if they are well enough to be "out" then they are well enough to be home. There are always exceptions though, like passes for home eval and such. Check on getting Dr's orders for some of your patients to go out. Good Luck!

[cbishop5120 0]

Sam -

 

I am the AD for a LTC facility that is attached to the hospital. The hospital also has a swing bed unit. Being a new AD, I am not too familiar with the workings of swing bed. However, one of the things that I have noticed is that our swing bed patients are usually people who have had hip fractures, total knee replacements, etc. Most of them find it very difficult to get out and about. I would probably suggest doing something on-site, just different scenery. An off-site outing may be too involved for them AND you as well. Maybe do as suggested above: trip to the cafeteria, picnic, or even just a stroll around the facility. Maybe even going outside for a milk-shake, etc. Just be creative and have fun!

 

Curtis